Khris Middleton’s name incessantly get dragged to trade rumors in the past months but his departure from the team became official on Wednesday after Shams Charania broke down the news that he got traded to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma.
The deal also involved Bucks’ 2024 first round draft pick AJ Johnson going to the capital while the Wizards send Patrick Baldwin Jr. in return.
Middeton’s rocky start to the 2024-25 season due to injuries is among the reasons why his clock with the Bucks is ticking. His time ran out but some fans still can’t help but get emotional about the trade.
Initial reactions were about gratitude to Middleton for staying through tough times and being Giannis Antetokounmpo’s partner to bring the Bucks their first championship in 49 years.
Antetokounmpo himself was sad about the news.
It took two to forever change this franchise.
Khris always stepped up. Even last year with two bad ankles he willed the Bucks in the playoffs. I thought I was prepared for him to be traded, but it’s a pure shock. pic.twitter.com/0EJ0DKwj6p
— Jonathan Gauthier (@jgauthier_23) February 5, 2025
I made the case yesterday as to why this makes sense, but this is a very sad moment. Thank you Khris. Can’t wait for jersey retirement night. Your shot to seal the Finals is when I started literally crying from joy. https://t.co/fCwRV8nbhg
— NoTechBen (@NoTechBen) February 5, 2025
Oh my God
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) February 5, 2025
In 2021, after Giannis hyperextended his knee and the Bucks were tied 2-2 in the ECFs, Bucks fans had given up hope.
We were cursed. We were never winning a title. I didn’t even want to go to game 5. We were all in mourning. My daughter convinced me that we should go.
Then,… pic.twitter.com/yCZZ1IhMWJ
— Justin Wills (@itsjwills) February 5, 2025
To a bad team? Fans empathize with Khris Middleton
Some fans want the best for Middleton. That’s how they expressed their gratitude.
However, to them, it is unfortunate that he has to be traded to the worst team in the league.
This obviously has been in the air for a few days, but man it’s tough to see that it’s actually real. Might help Bucks now, might not. Hate to see Khris land on a team going nowhere. Forever a champ and Bucks legend. https://t.co/pn424fjfXD
— Frank Madden (@fmaddenNBA) February 5, 2025
In short I love K-Mid and hate to see him go, but it was time. @TCIIIESQ made a good point on 97.3 yesterday that it’s hard to judge Kuz when he’s been playing unserious basketball. Think Giannis and Dame can bring out the best in him. Don’t think we’re done, but good start IMO. https://t.co/xHjw9tdS0c
— Chris King (@DYTChrisKing) February 5, 2025
Khris Middleton has somehow become the avatar for the Bucks problems without actually being responsible.
The Bucks are +5.8 nrtg with Dame/Khris/Giannis on court. Better than +4.2 in all Dame/Giannis minutes. Also +4.5 per 100 with Khris on vs +0.3 with him off. He helps them!
— Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) February 5, 2025
The Bucks never played a playoff series with Giannis, Khris, and Dame.
Injuries destroyed this team. The last time they lost a playoff series with a healthy Giannis and Khris was in 2019.
They just had horrendous injury luck.
— Justin Wills (@itsjwills) February 5, 2025
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