Betting Service Favors OKC Thunder to Land Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton, a former All-Star and NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, is set to be a free agent this offseason.

Surprisingly, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the betting favorite to land Middleton in free agency with Orlando, Houston, Dallas and Sacramento rounding out the top five, according to BetOnline.

Middleton has a player-option for the 2023-24 season, and wouldn't become an Unrestricted Free Agent until next summer if he chooses to opt into the final year of his contract before the June 21 deadline. After signing a five-year, $178 million deal in the summer of 2019, Middleton is owed over $40 million in the coming year.

With the large sum of money he is set to make, it is unlikely that the Texas A&M product would want to leave Milwaukee, where he hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy just two seasons ago. Even if Middleton did decide to leave the Bucks, it feels as though OKC isn't the best fit for the 31-year-old.

The Thunder have never been known to make big signings in Free Agency, which would make Middleton the biggest signing in franchise history. An injury riddled season held back the three-time All-Star in 2022-23, leading to Middleton's worst statistical season since 2016-17.

In 33 games last year, the 6-foot-7 small forward averaged 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 0.7 steals per contest. Aside from his lackluster performance last season, Middleton's age and playstyle seemingly make him an awkward fit in the Modern Frontier.

At 31, Middleton would be the oldest player on OKC's roster by more than two years. Additionally, the former Bucks star would add yet another mouth to feed on a squad that has already become concerned with an upcoming roster crunch.

While in his hayday, Middleton could play great defense and consistently knock down shots, which the Thunder need, he would take away reps from younger players who are in key stages of their development.

If Oklahoma City does decide to sign Middleton, however, his skill set and experience would theoretically help the Thunder achieve more wins in 2023-24. Despite not being the cleanest fit in OKC, Middleton is still a veteran player who has experienced individual and team success in the NBA.

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