There are two players who wore #22 in Milwaukee Bucks history and both are legendary. Michael Redd is among the first former and current Bucks to pay his tribute to Khris Middleton who got traded to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma.
“Breaking: The Milwaukee Bucks are trading Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and a pick swap to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and second-round draft compensation, sources tell ESPN,” NBA Shams Charania wrote on X.
The deal, which many anticipated, is not just a way to make the roster better. According to another ESPN writer Bobby Marks, the Bucks are now below the second apron, which will make it easier for the Bucks to build a roster now and in the future.
Middleton is one of the five players remaining from the 2021 title winning roster. The other four were Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton.
He came to the Bucks in 2013 from being a 2nd round, 39th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons.
From there, he carved his way to the main Bucks roster and became a staple of a rebuilding Bucks together with Giannis Antetokounmpo who just like him was unheralded at the start.
Middleton will go down as among the Top 4 Bucks legend according to most fans.
He is first in 3-pointers (1,382) made, second in games played (735) for the team and third in points total (12,586) in franchise history.
He is seventh in rebounds (3,598), third in assists (2,990), fifth in steals (870).
Michael Redd gets emotional about Khris Middleton
Redd has always been watching Middleton and the Bucks after his retirement. He was the first to wear #22 for the Bucks and to him, K-Midd did that number honors.
Turning to X, Redd Hot made sure that Middleton’s contribution to Milwaukee will not go unnoticed.
He first recalled the conversation they had about #22 and if Middleton knows who wore it first. He then went on to praise the new Wizard for his legacy beyond numbers.
“Do you know who wore that jersey?” I asked him.
“Yes sir,” he replied humbly.
“Make sure you represent that jersey well.”
Man, did he ever deliver.
One championship. Three All-Star selections. And most importantly, a legacy that goes far beyond the numbers.
/2
— Michael Redd (@MichaelRedd_) February 5, 2025
A fan replied with a photo of them together during Bucks 2021 NBA championship celebration and Redd was elated.
This is an incredible pull.
You never forget moments — and people — like this. https://t.co/Cnn4wU05Yj
— Michael Redd (@MichaelRedd_) February 5, 2025
Redd’s #22 jersy has been retired and many fans expect to Middleton get the same treatment once he retires.
The Bucks and the Wizards will meet each other on Feb 21 at Capital One Arena.
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