Khris Middleton has been in and out of the lineup since 2022 with a series of injuries, and it seems that trend continues as we head into the upcoming NBA season. Middleton underwent surgeries on both ankles this summer, and as of now, he’s not cleared for full five-on-five work as training camp approaches.
Sources: Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton (procedures on both ankles) has not been cleared for five-on-five action with training camp commencing Oct. 1. He’s progressing nicely, but team is taking a cautious approach as he’s expected to take part in most of camp activities. pic.twitter.com/e04WOux4os
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 28, 2024
The Bucks are taking a cautious approach with Middleton, as the report suggests. Given his history of delivering in the postseason, especially in key moments, Milwaukee has every reason to trust he’ll be ready when the games matter most.
However, is there a world where the Bucks consider moving the three-time All-Star? After watching the Boston Celtics win a title, the New York Knicks make a splash with Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Philadelphia 76ers snag Paul George, it’s a question that feels more relevant than it has over the last two seasons.
Should the Bucks entertain the idea of trading Middleton, considering all the factors involved, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz’s three-team trade proposal could present a realistic path for Milwaukee to shake things up.
“Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F Jerami Grant
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Khris Middleton
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: SG Moses Moody, SF Andrew Wiggins
Khris Middleton is a better all-around player than Jerami Grant, but he’s also struggled to stay healthy in recent years and had arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles this offseason. If the Bucks have any hesitations about Middleton’s ability to stay on the court, swapping him for Grant (who’s also two years younger) makes sense.
A starting five of Damian Lillard, Gary Trent Jr., Grant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez would remain one of the best in the East, as Grant averaged 21.0 points and made 40.2 percent of his threes last season. Lillard and Grant already carry a year of experience together from their 2022-23 season with the Blazers.”
