On Wednesday, February 5th, the Milwaukee Bucks agreed to trade Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. Middleton, who had been with the Bucks since 2013, became a franchise legend over his long career. The Bucks’ most recent #22 was given his flowers by a former great who also wore #22 – the legendary Michael Redd.
Bucks Legend Michael Redd Salutes Khris Middleton
In the aftermath of his trade to the Washington Wizards, Bucks legend Michael Redd took to social media to thank Middleton. Redd was an All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, All-NBA third team member, and held the record for most points by a Bucks player in a single game for over 17 years. Both Redd and Middleton wore #22 while with the Bucks. Redd began his series of posts by recalling his retirement night.
Today Khris Middleton, the other No. 22, begins a new chapter.
I remember the night of my retirement ceremony, walking into the Bucks training room and seeing Khris laying on the table. He was wearing 22 — my number for over a decade in Milwaukee. 🧵
— Michael Redd (@MichaelRedd_) February 5, 2025
Some fans feel that Redd’s jersey should have been retired, but instead, Middleton was the one to take over the legacy of 22. On the night of his retirement, Redd spoke with him about what the jersey’s legacy meant. Middleton knew what he was signing up for by choosing the number.
“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
Both Michael Redd and Khris Middleton Are Milwaukee Legends
Middleton would go on to do more than just represent the jersey. He was instrumental in the Bucks championship run. He passed Redd for 5th in Milwaukee history for points scored and leaves the franchise in 2025 sitting in 3rd, behind only Giannis and Kareem. He is first in made 3-pointers and second in games played.
He did all that after joining the Bucks as a complimentary piece in the Brandon Jennings-Brandon Knight swap in 2013, where the Bucks traded Jennings, one of their best players, to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Knight, Middleton, and Viacheslav Kravtsov. While Knight, the centerpiece of the trade, never worked out in a Bucks jersey, the franchise had nonetheless acquired one of the best players in its history.
As Redd put it, he and Middleton were cut from the same cloth. “Two second-round picks, both doubted, both determined to prove ourselves worthy of that Bucks jersey.” Redd was selected by Milwaukee in the second round in 2000, specifically at 43rd overall. Middleton was originally picked by Detroit in 2012 at 39 overall.
Michael Redd Has Nothing But Respect for Khris Middleton
In a world where many NBA trades are complimented by messy behind-the-scenes drama, Middleton leaves Milwaukee with the heartfelt respect of his teammates, the fanbase, and former Bucks players. It’s a heartwarming thing to see.
Thank you, Khris, for carrying our 22 with such distinction. You didn’t just fill my jersey — you made it your own.
/5
— Michael Redd (@MichaelRedd_) February 5, 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo was sad to see his lifelong friend leave and left a tribute on social media as well. The two had some of the best chemistry in the league during their time together.
My GOAT 🐐💯 pic.twitter.com/Sqx1yOVcUw
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) February 6, 2025
Middleton dealt with injury problems and was noticeably past his prime during his final years in Milwaukee, but he is one of the best players the franchise has ever had. While seeing him gone will be hard for everyone, the Bucks are hoping to move forward with Giannis, Damian Lillard, and company which now includes Kyle Kuzma.
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