The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a disappointing season that, while defined by yet another first-round playoff exit, is also characterized by the end of Khris Middleton’s time with the franchise. 2021 NBA Champion and Milwaukee’s third-leading all-time scorer was traded to the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline. While Bucks fans will forever treasure Middleton’s immense contributions, some debate has emerged around the prospect of his #22 jersey being retired. However, if you ask Giannis Antetokounmpo, there is no debate to be had.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Voices Support for Potential Khris Middleton Jersey Retirement
When Milwaukee Bucks legend Khris Middleton was traded from the Cream City and sent to the Washington Wizards, it was a sad day for Bucks fans. Even the contingent that felt the move was needed and were excited by the arrival of Kyle Kuzma recognized that it was a significant moment for the team.
Middleton left Milwaukee with 735 career games under his belt, during which he scored over 12,500 points and became the franchise’s leading all-time three-point shooter. Additionally, he was a beloved teammate, particularly by franchise superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was saddened by the departure.
My GOAT 🐐💯 pic.twitter.com/Sqx1yOVcUw
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) February 6, 2025
As Middleton finished the year with Washington, the Bucks went on to the NBA Playoffs, where they lost to the Indiana Pacers. As the offseason began, some fans pondered the idea of Middleton’s #22 being retired. Antetokounmpo took the time to voice his support for the honoring of his old teammate.
1000% 🐐 https://t.co/sKQMV7wU0I
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 27, 2025
Will Khris Middleton’s #22 Jersey Ever Be Retired?
Middleton represents an interesting case for potential jersey retirement. The first point that many older Bucks fans will make is the Michael Redd context for the jersey.
Redd wore 22 in Milwaukee for 11 seasons and was a fan-favorite. His place in franchise history lives on through multiple accolades. Redd was the Bucks’ single-game scoring leader for many years after his 57 points against the Utah Jazz in November 2006. Antetokounmpo has since broken Redd’s record twice, with the first instance being in 2023.
Some fans felt that Redd deserves jersey retirement, but it never materialized. Middleton took the number in 2013 and wore it for over a decade, setting plenty of his own records along the way. When Middleton departed the Bucks, Redd shouted out “the other 22” and honored the legacy he left in the jersey.
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
Middleton has a much better case than Redd did for jersey retirement. He has 3 All-Star selections and an Olympic gold medal from 2024 in addition to his championship ring. He was the second-biggest part of the best era of Bucks basketball since the days of Kareem Adbul-Jabbar. Antetokounmpo has described Middleton as “family” and have remained close even though they are no longer teammates.
Currently, the Bucks have 9 jersey numbers retired, including Abdul-Jabbar’s. Middleton could very well become the tenth.
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