Khris Middleton has been part of Opening Night in Milwaukee for more than a decade. But Wednesday marks the first time he’ll be in something other than a Bucks uniform.
Middleton’s first game in Milwaukee since being traded takes place Wednesday as his Washington Wizards and the Bucks launch their seasons.
Middleton, who ranks third on Milwaukee’s all-time scoring list with 12,586 points, was traded last season at the deadline in a four-team deal that brought Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks. Rookie guard AJ Johnson joined Middleton in going to D.C. in the deal.
“He should get the warmest welcome ever,” said Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who played with Middleton for 11-plus seasons. “When he comes here and he sees his tribute video, he should be in tears crying. I cannot explain how much Khris means to me. That’s my brother for life.”
Middleton is one of three key pieces of the 2021 championship team who started last year with Milwaukee but are no longer there, joining Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton. Lopez was replaced by free agent Myles Turner, who signed a four-year, $107 million contract after leaving the rival Indiana Pacers.
That move coincided with Damian Lillard’s contract being waived and stretched before he rejoined Portland. In Lillard’s absence, Milwaukee expects to start Kevin Porter Jr. in the point guard spot.
“It’s a huge responsibility for (Porter) to run the team and still be aggressive,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “I’m sure at times he’ll be great at it and then at times he may struggle at it, but we’ll support him and get him right.”
For Washington, which finished with the league’s second-worst record a year ago, Middleton is one of two key veterans on a team loaded with young prospects. The Wizards also acquired veteran guard CJ McCollum in a trade with New Orleans that sent out Jordan Poole.
Malcolm Brogdon (retired), Marcus Smart (buyout) and Saddiq Bey (trade) will also not return, while rookies Tre Johnson (the No. 6 overall pick) and Will Riley (No. 21) are the latest in a line of young players Washington hopes will turn the franchise back into a contender.
“They’re taking steps in the right direction in terms of accountability, in terms of structure, foundation and how they’re building,” McCollum said.
The veteran averaged 21.1 points and 4.1 assists in 56 games with the Pelicans a year ago. The 34-year-old has averaged at least 20 points per game in 10 consecutive seasons.
Meanwhile for the Bucks, after an offseason filled with louder-than-usual rumors of their superstar’s imminent departure, Antetokounmpo returns after averaging 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds and finishing third in the league’s MVP voting.
Milwaukee also re-signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims, extended AJ Green and Ryan Rollins and added guard Cole Anthony in free agency to serve as Porter’s backup.
The Wizards built out their roster by acquiring Marvin Bagley III in free agency and adding former first-round pick Cam Whitmore in a trade with Houston.
On the injury front, Bilal Coulibaly, who averaged 12.3 points and five rebounds in his second year, has been ruled out for the opener for Washington due to a thumb injury.