The Milwaukee Bucks have been making the necessary moves to retain their core free agents. While Nikola Mirotic’s decision to forego the NBA for Europe threw those around the league for a loop, it had no real impact on his former Bucks team.
Milwaukee is focusing more on retaining star wing Khris Middleton and others. Now, according to this report, that’s about to come to fruition. Middleton will likely sign a five-year, $190 million max contract once free agency opens Sunday evening.
This is great news for a Bucks team that finished last season with NBA’s best record. Middleton, 27, averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting at a 38 percent clip from distance last season.
Some might call this an overpay. Maybe a reactionary move for what promises to be a free-spending free agency period. That’s fine. But keeping Middleton around to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo was always the right move.