Khris Middleton, Bucks Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction
On the heels of an excellent 2014-15 season, Milwaukee Bucks swingman Khris Middleton has reportedly cashed in on a massive contract extension.
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Report: Bucks Finalize Extension with Middleton
Wednesday, July 1
Middleton and the Bucks closed a five-year, $70 million deal, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports. ESPN.com's Marc Stein previously reported the sides were closing in on a deal with the same numbers. Grantland's Zach Lowe added that there's a player option in the final season of the deal as well.
The former second-round pick out of Texas A&M truly came into his own last season, with averages of 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game, which were all career highs. He also shot nearly 41 percent from three-point land, making him one of the most versatile players in basketball.
Middleton isn't a big-name player, so some may be surprised by the sizable contract, but Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders maintains it would be a great move on Milwaukee's part with the salary cap set to go up:
The Bucks have an exciting group of young players, and Middleton truly believes that greatness could be in their future, per Gene Sapakoff of the Post and Courier: "We have a lot of great pieces with the Bucks. If we can stay together, we can do something special."
Middleton has taken the first step in keeping the team intact by signing a new contract, and he will be joined by other potential stars, such as guard Michael Carter-Williams and forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker.
Milwaukee has all of the makings of a potentially excellent team with head coach Jason Kidd at the helm, and locking down a player with the talent and overall skill set of Middleton is paramount in securing that.
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