For months, the Milwaukee Bucks have been mentioned in trade rumors that many believe would improve their team. Many of these deals included Khris Middleton, whom Bucks fans were almost certain will not be traded due to his friendship with Giannis Antetokounmpo. All-Star point guard Damian Lillard‘s recent comments about Middleton, too, indicated to fans that the franchise’s all-time three-point leader was not really on the trading block.
That is, until tonight.
According to multiple NBA insiders, buzz is building around the NBA that Milwaukee is about ready to participate in what could be a franchise-altering trade.
NBA Insiders Believe the Milwaukee Bucks May Trade Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton
The first report of a potential trade involving Middleton came from Evan Sidery of Forbes, who stated on social media the Milwaukee is trying to move the three-time All-Star in an effort to acquire Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns:
There’s some buzz building around a potential Jimmy Butler trade framework including the Heat, Suns, Bucks and a facilitating fourth team.
Phoenix would receive Jimmy Butler. Milwaukee would receive Bradley Beal. Miami would receive Khris Middleton. Facilitator takes on salary. pic.twitter.com/0qTllhi5ba
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 22, 2025
As Sidery notes, this trade would also involve the Miami Heat sending Jimmy Butler to Phoenix.
However, another report on social media from Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints indicates that in addition to trading Middleton, the Bucks would also be sending Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis to Toronto with Middleton ending up with Miami.
Milwaukee would also get Kevin Love from the Heat:
One scenario, that two different league sources told @ClutchPoints about, involves Butler going to PHX and MIL moving out of the second apron by moving Connaughton to TOR.
This then turns into Bruce Brown/Khris Middleton to MIA, Beal/Love to MIL, Portis/Connaughton to TOR.… https://t.co/00HVKl1Uov
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) January 22, 2025
The problem with both of these reports is that Middleton and Beal both have no-trade clauses. If neither wants to go to their proposed destination, they do not have to go.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Do Not Want Bradley Beal
Beal, who is averaging 17.1 points per game this season while shooting 49/39/75 from the floor, is not exactly the kind of player Bucks fans want to see come back in a trade for Middleton. He is often injured and has what many consider to be the worst contract in the league.
Fans were quick to express their disapproval of the possible return:
This would be awful for MKE. No interest in Love.
— Chris B (@brewaukee) January 22, 2025
Nahhh thinking Beal is a similar or more positive asset than Khris is not it out of Jon. They need a young player like Dunn and picks.
— The Peoples’s Mix (Abdi) 🇸🇴 (@Abdi_Mix) January 22, 2025
i need you to be wrong for me one more time big dawg
— Bucks Breakdown (@Bucks_Breakdown) January 22, 2025
WHY WOULD THE BUCKS WANT BEAL 😭
— Nic Thomas | NBA & NBA Draft (@NicThomasNBA) January 22, 2025
A Dame and Beal back court??? I gotta believe the Bucks wants a different player 😂
— Efeso100 (@Efeso1001) January 22, 2025
Of course, nothing has happened yet. But it is worth noting that the Suns just traded an unprotected first round pick to the Utah Jazz for three future first round picks. It sure sounds like they are loading up to make a move for Butler, but whether or not Milwaukee will be involved remains to be seen.
More Milwaukee Bucks News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Bucks Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Draw Massive Praise from 76ers Head Coach
- “The Fit Does Make Sense;” Bucks Urged to Look to Division Rival for Potential Trade
- “There’s a lot of Chatter;” Bucks Linked to Phoenix Suns Star Ahead of Trade Deadline
- “It’s Like When You Meet a New Girl;” Bucks Forward Taurean Prince Talks About Team’s Improving Chemistry
- Damian Lillard Drops Huge Statement About Bucks After Reaching Historic Milestone
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