On Wednesday morning, NBA reporter Chris Haynes announced that Khris Middleton would be removed from the Bucks starting lineup.
This move was warranted, due to the fact that Middleton is having his worst statistical season in a very long time.
He’s only averaging 12.7 points per game, his lowest total since the 2013-14 season (12.1 PPG).
Why He Should Be Traded
Milwaukee hasn’t benefited from Middleton in the last couple seasons. Ever since his fantastic championship performance in 2021, he’s been derailed by injuries and he’s not as quick as he used to be.
His injury history since 2022 includes: MCL sprain, wrist surgery, right knee surgery, and surgeries on both ankles.
Now that he’s moved to the bench, this is a sign that the Bucks know his production isn’t up to par. Maybe a bench role will help Middleton get his groove back, but he isn’t getting any older.
The Trade Market
The biggest name on the trade market has been Jimmy Butler. The Miami Heat star requested a trade and teams have been on the lookout.
To make money work, a potential third team might have to be involved on a Butler trade, and Milwaukee could be a suitor.
The Phoenix Suns are the team that’s most involved in Jimmy Butler trade rumors. Bradley Beal would certainly be the player to get traded from Phoenix, only if he waives his no-trade clause.
The Scenario
Bucks receive:
Bradley Beal, second-round pick
Suns receive:
Jimmy Butler
Heat receive:
Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Bobby Portis, two first-round pick swaps
In this trade scenario, every team wins. The Bucks replacing an aging Khris Middleton with Bradley Beal is an automatic upgrade. Beal hasn’t been immune to injuries either, but his on court production will be higher.
Phoenix will get their coveted prize in Jimmy Butler. He will be a perfect fit alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Swapping Beal with Butler will make the Suns exponentially better due to Butler’s playoff experience and two-way ability.
Miami does a slight reset, acquiring two future first-round picks and gaining two veterans in Middleton and Portis. AJ Johnson is a young point guard who would benefit from the likes and development strategy of Erik Spoelstra.
Trading Khris Middleton will hurt Milwaukee’s organization and fan base, but it might be time to let him go. When Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are win now players, they need the most help they can get.
