MILWAUKEE — Khris Middleton thanked Milwaukee for serving to form him “into the particular person and participant I’m right now” every week after the Bucks traded the three-time All-Star to the Washington Wizards.
“From the second I stepped foot on this metropolis, you embraced me,” Middleton stated Friday in a social media publish. “Collectively, we skilled the rebuilding years, the emergence of a championship contender, and in the end, the unforgettable journey to the 2021 NBA Championship. That magical run will stick with me ceaselessly — the late-game photographs, the comeback victories, and most significantly, bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy again to Milwaukee after 50 years.”
Middleton, who had been with the Bucks for the reason that 2013-14 season, was despatched to Washington eventually week’s commerce deadline together with 2024 first-round decide AJ Johnson in a deal that introduced Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee. Each groups additionally obtained draft compensation within the commerce.
Bucks normal supervisor Jon Horst stated this week that buying and selling Middleton “must be the toughest factor transactionally that I’ve ever achieved, from the human facet of it, the roster facet of it, the tradition of the staff, our neighborhood.”
Middleton thanked the Bucks in his publish.
“To the Bucks group: Thanks for believing in me, growing me, and giving me the chance to develop from a commerce piece into an All-Star and champion,” he stated.
Middleton, 33, is the Bucks’ profession chief in 3-pointers (1,382) and ranks behind solely two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in video games (735) and minutes (23,039). He’s third in franchise historical past in factors (12,586) and assists (2,990).
Accidents had restricted him to 33 video games in 2022-23 and 55 in 2023-24. He didn’t make his 2024-25 debut till Dec. 6 after recovering from offseason surgical procedure to every of his ankles.
“To the Milwaukee neighborhood: This metropolis has turn into my residence,” Middleton stated. “The relationships constructed, the neighborhood initiatives we’ve labored on collectively, and the numerous reminiscences made each on and off the courtroom will stick with me ceaselessly.
“As I start this new chapter, I’m excited for the alternatives forward. However Milwaukee will at all times maintain a particular place in my coronary heart. This isn’t goodbye — it’s thanks.”
