Weekly Bucks Lookback: Khris Middleton opts out, Milwaukee Bucks shore up the roster with two prospects from NBA Draft

The offseason of the Milwaukee Bucks is now in full swing, and they now must deal with the decision of All-Star wingman Khris Middleton to opt out of his $40 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent. Although league executives and pundits believe Middleton will eventually return to the Bucks on a long-term deal, stranger things have happened in the Association.

The Bucks also gave their aging squad a shot in the arm with the drafting of Andre Jackson Jr. and Chris Livingston in the 2023 NBA Draft last Thursday. That said, here are five stories from the week that was for the Bucks:

1) Khris Middleton declines his player option and becomes an unrestricted free agent

It was already widely assumed that the former Texas A&M star would decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but it was made official last week when Middleton officially opted out.

Khris Middleton declines $40 million player option with the Bucks to become a free agent, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/XqnTB4BHGV
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 22, 2023

2) The Milwaukee Bucks acquire Andre Jackson Jr. and Chris Livingston in the 2023 NBA Draft

The Milwaukee Bucks got themselves a couple of young and talented players in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Bucks first acquired the draft rights to Andre Jackson Jr., the 36th overall pick by the Orlando Magic, before selecting Chris Livingston as the 58th overall selection. Afterward, Bucks general manager Jon Horst was pleased with their picks and was hopeful they’ll be able to contribute right away.

"We've got two competitive, physically strong young wings that we can add to this team."

Jon Horst speaks to the media after the 2023 NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/XXTmaIhzeo
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 23, 2023

3) The worst trade in the Milwaukee Bucks' NBA Draft history

The NBA Draft always brings back terrible memories for the Bucks and their fans as they’re reminded of this massive gaffe wherein they missed out on one of the greatest players the NBA had ever seen.

4) Stephen A. Smith picks Giannis as one of few NBA players who deserve a no-trade clause

Giannis is one-of-one. And as such, Stephen A. Smith believes the reigning MVP is one of few players who should receive a no-trade clause from their respective teams.

Only five NBA players deserve to have no-trade clauses.

5. Jayson Tatum
4. Nikola Jokic
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2. LeBron James
1. Steph Curry

Explanation: https://t.co/3SjjCJEP14
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 19, 2023

5) Veteran wingmen the Milwaukee Bucks could look to acquire this offseason

The Bucks plan to bolster their wing depth this offseason to try and give their perimeter some more punch. Here are two players that Milwaukee should consider when they go shopping.