The Milwaukee Bucks are facing an offseason full of uncertainties. For the first time in five years, they are looking for a new head coach after Mike Budenholzer was fired. In addition, Khris Middleton has to decided whether or not to pick up his $40.3 million player option for the 2023-24 season, and Brook Lopez will hit free agency when the new league year begins. While there are few answers to the questions surrounding the team, it sounds like they will get those two key players back next season and beyond.
NBA Insider Marc Stein Reports It Is Assumed Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton will Return to the Milwaukee Bucks
“The working assumption around the league is that both Middleton and Lopez will stay in Milwaukee. But even that comes with considerable uncertainty because A) no one knows yet how much it will cost to re-sign them and B) if the Bucks will have any flexibility to make the moves they need to make to freshen up the rest of the roster.”
As Stein notes, this is just a working assumption; not a firm belief around the league. In fact, there is a rumor that Middleton is leaning towards declining his option and becoming a free agent. Of course, this would not necessarily mean that he wants to leave. Instead, he may try to get another long-term contract. If this is the case, Milwaukee can offer him up to a five-year deal worth $272 million while any other NBA team can “only” offer him up to four years and $202 million.
For fans that may want Middleton to leave, he has every reason to stay. Giannis Antetokounmpo loves playing with him and keeping the three-time All-Star around will be just extra incentive for Giannis to sign his own extension when the time comes.
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