Khris Middleton Declines Massive Player Option To Test Free Agency

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Milwaukee Bucks v Miami Heat - Game Four
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 24: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 24, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The three-time all-star is turning down $40 million.

Khris Middleton has been a staple of the Milwaukee Bucks for a decade. Drafted in the second round of the 2012 Draft, Middleton was traded to the Bucks after his rookie year with the Pistons. However, Middleton quickly blossomed into a dependable and consistent small forward. He was a vital figure in the Bucks' title run in 2021. The Charleston-born forward has gone from role player to a face of one of the league's biggest small-market teams. When people think of the Bucks, they think of Giannis and they think of Khris Middleton.

However, he saw limited action in the 2022-23 season, playing just 33 games as he rehabbed from a ligament sprain suffered during the 2022 playoffs. Despite this, he returned to help the Bucks in the playoffs, even though the team crashed out in the first round. He averaged 23.8 points against the Heat in the playoffs. That brought Middleton to a major crossroads. 2023-24 represented a player option year for his contract, worth $40 million if he opted in.

Middleton Declines Player Option

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Middleton has opted to decline his player option year and will instead pursue free agency. Despite this, Middleton's agents told ESPN that Middleton has not ruled out a return to the Bucks on a new contract. However, the market for the three-time all-star will likely be fairly competitive.

Middleton is the latest big-name star to opt for free agency. Draymond Green chose to decline his player option with the Warriors. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving followed through with his plan to test free agency after leaving the Mavericks. However, this offseason has already proven to be weird and unpredictable. There is reportedly no market for Irving outside of the Mavericks. Elsewhere, interest in Green is seemingly being overshadowed by the Warriors' attempts to retain him. However, despite his recent injury struggles, Middleton's services will likely be in strong demand. Where do you think Middleton will end up? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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