Early on February 5th, 2025, NBA insider Shams Charania announced on social media that the Milwaukee Bucks traded Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards as part of a trade package for Kyle Kuzma. This trade marks the end of an era in Milwaukee, as Middleton was with the Bucks for over a decade, and was at the top of numerous franchise records, including being the franchise leader in three pointers made.
A trade like this carries a lot of emotional weight, from the front office and players to the reporters and fans alike. General Manager Jon Horst released a statement in the Bucks’ press release announcing the trade.
“Khris is one of the greatest players in Bucks history, and on behalf of our ownership group and organization, we will always be grateful for his 12-year dedication to the team and the Milwaukee community,” Horst said.
Players on the team are affected by the trade, on a professional level or a personal level. For Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s both. Antetokounmpo and Middleton were teammates for 12 seasons and essentially grew up together. The duo accomplished many things together, from making the franchise relevant again, to being all-stars, to finally winning the NBA Championship in 2021. The Milwaukee Bucks social media account posted Giannis’ reaction and statement on the trade.
“For me, my brotherhood with Khris is the most important thing I’ve had within this team for a lot of years,” Antetokounmpo said.
Expectations are high for Kyle Kuzma, as Khris Middleton had a big impact on those who cover the team as well as the fans that go to games. This was evident during Kuzma’s Bucks debut against the Atlanta Hawks with a post from Eric Nehm, the Bucks beat reporter for The Athletic. Nehm worded his post to where it sounded like Kuzma was at fault for the Hawks’ run, when he was one of the few bright spots on the court.
“The Bucks were up, 19-14, when Kuzma entered with 6:16 left in the first quarter. They are now down, 36-26, at the end of the first quarter,” Nehm said.
While those in the Bucks organization must shift their focus to the next game, fans have taken this time to reminisce about the Khris Middleton era, especially fans on the UW-Whitewater campus. Michael Hernan had a lot of fond memories, ranging from the first time Middleton suited up to the 2021 championship run, and then to Middleton doing everything he could to keep the Bucks alive in the 2024-2025 playoffs. But there was one moment that stood out above all others.
“My favorite Khris Middleton memory was in 2018 where Middleton made this incredible game tying three to send the game to overtime against the Boston Celtics. Even though we lost that game, the fact he got that shot off was just incredible,” Hernan said.
Even though Middleton was beloved in Milwaukee and by Bucks fans, there are some who felt that it was time to move on. Ben Nelson is one of those fans, and he took it one step further.
“I would say I’m not open to a potential return down the road, even though it was nice having Khris Middleton, and I do think he’s a better player [than Kyle Kuzma]; I feel the point where we’re at is that [Middleton] is very injury prone. I say that it’s time to move on from him,” Nelson said.
There are Bucks fans who did not want to trade Khris Middleton and especially did not want to trade for Kyle Kuzma. George Kuhnen is one of those fans, but he still wants to see Kyle Kuzma succeed and for the Bucks to continue winning games.
“Of course I want to see a championship, and [Kuzma] needs to be more consistent. he needs to work on shooting and increase his shooting percentages,” Kuhnen said.
Going forward, Kyle Kuzma looks to establish himself as a key player for the Bucks and help them win the second championship of the Giannis Antetokounmpo era. Khris Middleton is still getting acclimated with the Washington Wizards and is expected to make his debut with the team against the Milwaukee Bucks after the All-Star break.
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