Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2019: 20 best players available

By Brendon Kleen

Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /
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TORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 19: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates with teammates after scoring a basket to tie the game during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 19: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates with teammates after scoring a basket to tie the game during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

9. Khris Middleton, G/F, Milwaukee Bucks, Player Option/Unrestricted

No one will blame Middleton for the Bucks’ second-round loss. Going into the playoffs, it was already clear Milwaukee would go as far as Giannis Antetokounmpo could take them, and anything Middleton failed to do felt in the moment more like a failure by Mike Budenholzer than a lack of heart by Middleton. The dude simply didn’t get the ball enough.

Still, he put up 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists per 36 minutes across the Bucks’ 15 playoff games on .418/.435/.885 shooting. Even the low field-goal percentage seems to be have resulted more from Middleton having to bail the Bucks out late in the clock and when Antetkounmpo was on the bench than any poor shot selection or sudden cold streak on Middleton’s part.

Middleton is probably an underqualified second option, but alongside perhaps the most imposing talent in the NBA in Antetokounmpo, he’s good enough to be the second best player on an eventual Bucks championship team.

That slight underperformance, however, could leave open the possibility that another team can max Middleton out and discourage the Bucks from paying him so much. Middleton is unlikely to accept his player option for just $13 million next season when he could make as much as $32.5 million in 2019-20.

A team like the Knicks might sign Middleton to play alongside Kevin Durant in 2020-21 after Durant returns from his ruptured right Achilles’ tendon. This move would allow New York to remain in the lottery for one more season to continue building the roster out but lock in a co-star for Durant a year early.

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