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The Milwaukee Bucks traded former Texas A&M star Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. Middleton has spent 12 of his 13 seasons in the NBA with the Bucks, most notably serving as a pivotal No. 2 option during their 2021 title run. He also earned an All-Big 12 selection with Texas A&M in 2011.
Despite the ex-Aggie’s longtime impact on Milwaukee, the 33-year-old Middleton had shown clear signs of declining production with his lowest scoring average since the 2013-14 campaign. In 23 appearances this season, Middleton has posted 12.6 points per game.
In a somewhat shocking turn of events, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo essentially signed off on the Middleton-Kuzma deal. The Greek Freak heavily supported Kuzma as a potential addition to Milwaukee’s roster.
“I’m told a key element of the trade talks that brought Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee in exchange for championship mainstay Khris Middleton: a large vote of support for Kuzma from one Giannis Antetokounmpo,” Fischer wrote via Twitter.
The full trade saw Milwaukee acquire Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin, Jericho Sims, and second-round draft compensation. Meanwhile, the Wizards hauled in Middleton and young talent AJ Johnson.
Given the emotional championship that Middleton helped Milwaukee win, the three-time All-Star’s departure from the Bucks seems slightly unceremonious. However, Antetokounmpo’s encouragement of snagging Kuzma seemed to motivate Milwaukee to pull the trigger.
All in all, Milwaukee wants to contend for a title again while Antetokounmpo enjoys his prime. The Bucks and their franchise player seemed to believe that trading Middleton for Kuzma was the best way to strengthen their contention.
From the jaw-dropping Luka Doncic trade to the dramatic conclusion of Jimmy Butler’s quest for a new home, the NBA trade deadline has provided basketball fans with more entertainment than ever.