Wizards Have Likely Plan for Khris Middleton After Acquiring Veteran From Bucks

Washington added a player with an All-Star pedigree.

Khris Middleton shoots during the Bucks' 125–110 win over the Jazz on Jan. 27, 2025. / Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

For 12 years, forward Khris Middleton was the Milwaukee Bucks' rock—helping the team turn its uncertain 2010s into a remarkable 2021 championship run.

On Wednesday, then, a chapter in Bucks history closed. Milwaukee traded Middleton to the Washington Wizards for a package centered on forward Kyle Kuzma, adding a decent piece from an awful team but bidding farewell to a three-time All-Star in the process.

When news of the trade broke, many observers assumed that the Wizards would simply buy out the aging Middleton. Not so fast, according to SI's Chris Mannix.

"(Wizards') plan, for now, is to hold on to Khris Middleton, who played with (guard) Malcolm Brogdon in Milwaukee," Mannix wrote on social media Wednesday afternoon. "Move gives Washington a little financial flexibility and frees up even more playing time/responsibility for its young wings."

Wizards plan, for now, is to hold on to Khris Middleton, who played with Malcolm Brogdon in Milwaukee. Move gives Washington a little financial flexibility and frees up even more playing time/responsibility for its young wings. Plus they can take a flyer on AJ Johnson.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 5, 2025

Brogdon, a Buck from 2017 to '19, is in his first year with the Wizards after a July 6 trade from the Portland Trail Blazers.

Washington's moves must be viewed in the context of its putrid 8-41 start; the Wizards appear prepared to salvage whatever stability they can out of a lost season.

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