Khris Middleton Rumors: 'Growing Sense' Star Will Return to Bucks on New Contract

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly expected to retain swingman Khris Middleton on a new long-term contract this offseason.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported Middleton aided in the Bucks' search for a new head coach, sitting in meetings with final candidates, which signals that he will be back next season.

"There is a growing sense among league executives that Middleton will return to the Bucks on a long-term agreement," Fischer added.

Middleton, 31, has a $40.4 million player option for next season but could opt out and seek a longer-term contract. It's unlikely Middleton will come close to landing a contract touching $40 million annually given his performance during the 2022-23 season.

Middleton was limited to just 33 games due to injury, averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor. His play improved during Milwaukee's first-round series against the Miami Heat, but the marked decline in Middleton's performance during the regular season makes it surprising that he'd decline a max-level deal for next season.

The Bucks fired head coach Mike Budenholzer in the aftermath of their first-round exit and replaced him with Adrian Griffin, who has no experience as an NBA head coach. Griffin will be inheriting a roster with arguably the game's best player in Giannis Antetokounmpo but also aging question marks beside him in Middelton and Jrue Holiday, who are expensive, non-superstar players.

It's fair to wonder whether keeping Middleton on a long-term contract is the best move for Milwaukee, but the franchise is not a known free-agent destination and would have no avenue to replace him if he were to bolt on the open market.