The Milwaukee Bucks traded Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards in a move that marks the end of an incredible partnership between Giannis Antetokounmpo and his longtime teammate. The trade, which also involves AJ Johnson, Kyle Kuzma, and Patrick Baldwin Jr., comes as the team faces roster-building penalties under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Middleton, who won the 2021 NBA championship with Antetokounmpo, has been a vital member of the Bucks’ core since his re-signing in 2023. However, mounting injuries, including ankle issues that required offseason surgery, raised concerns about his future with the team. The trade allows the Bucks to acquire flexibility and potentially build towards another championship in the next two or three years.
The partnership between Antetokounmpo and Middleton was a defining aspect of the Bucks’ success, but it has been marked by injury struggles for Middleton. Despite being superb in the 2024 playoffs without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Middleton’s physical issues became harder to ignore. The trade marks the end of an era for the team, which will now focus on finding a new core with Damian Lillard.
The move comes after years of stagnation in the standings and a decline in confidence in Middleton. The Bucks’ general manager, Jon Horst, has been empowered by new co-owners to make roster moves that better position the team for success. While it’s unclear how this trade will impact the team’s chances, one thing is certain – it marks the end of an incredible partnership between two of the NBA’s greatest players.
Source: https://eu.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2025/02/05/why-the-milwaukee-bucks-traded-khris-middleton/77654365007