MILWAUKEE — The difficult decision to trade Khris Middleton stands out as one of the most challenging moments in the career of Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst. Middleton, a three-time All-Star, has made significant contributions to the team, creating a deep personal connection with Horst. “I’m incredibly close with Khris personally, his family,” Horst shared with reporters prior to the Bucks’ game against the Golden State Warriors. “I probably have more Middleton jerseys in my house than anything and will still have more Middleton jerseys in my house than anything.”
The trade sent Middleton to the Washington Wizards, allowing the Bucks to welcome forward Kyle Kuzma to their ranks. This move also positioned them beneath the second salary-cap apron, granting Milwaukee more flexibility to make additional roster changes throughout the offseason. As of Monday, the Bucks found themselves sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Horst emphasized that lowering the payroll wasn’t a primary aim for the Bucks, insisting that the adjustments made over the past week have the potential to make the team more competitive this season. He reported that ownership’s only direction was to strive for success this year. “They’ve done nothing but resource this team and want to win,” he stated. “And we believe that this gives us a better chance to win this year. It happens to also put us under the second apron, which gives us some benefits going forward.”
In addition to trading Middleton, the Bucks also acquired Kevin Porter Jr. from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for MarJon Beauchamp, and brought center Jericho Sims from the New York Knicks in return for guard Delon Wright. This series of trades has left the Bucks with one open spot on the roster. However, the most significant change remains the departure of Middleton, a key player in Bucks history.
Holding the franchise record for 3-pointers made (1,382), Middleton is also noted for his impressive statistics, ranking behind only two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in games played (735) and total minutes (23,039). He ranks third in the franchise for points (12,586) and assists (2,990), and he was pivotal in securing the team’s first championship in five decades during the 2020-21 season. “It has to be the hardest thing transactionally that I’ve ever done, from the human side of it, the roster side of it, the culture of the team, our community,” Horst reflected.
Although Antetokounmpo has referred to Middleton as a brother, Horst opted not to discuss the trade with him in advance. “I’m willing to live with him either agreeing or disagreeing with it and whatever the aftermath of that is because it’s my job,” Horst noted. He added that he had not spoken with Antetokounmpo about the situation afterwards, stressing the business nature of these decisions. “His job’s really hard every night,” he remarked.
Middleton’s health has been a concern, as he participated in only 33 games during the 2022-23 season and 55 in the 2023-24 season. He made his debut for the current season on December 6, following recovery from surgeries on both of his ankles. His scoring average is also at its lowest since the 2013-14 season at 12.6 points per game. However, Horst stated that Middleton’s health played only a “minimal factor” in his decision-making during the trade deadline.
In addition to Middleton, the Bucks sent a 2024 first-round pick, AJ Johnson, to the Wizards and included draft compensation for both teams involved. Horst expressed belief that the team has strengthened by addressing key positions that needed improvement. Kuzma, who can adapt to multiple roles on offense and defense, is expected to enhance the team’s dynamic. “He plays with a pace and a speed and athleticism that we think will really help us against the teams we have to beat in the playoffs,” Horst added.
Despite Kuzma’s current struggles—shooting 41.6% overall, 28.2% from three-point range, and 60.8% from the free-throw line, all of which are career lows—Horst maintains that Milwaukee has a history of players improving their performance after joining the team. He expressed his hope that Porter can follow a similar path in becoming a more effective player.
Porter has a complicated past, having pled guilty in January 2024 to misdemeanor assault related to an incident in September 2023. Prosecutors alleged he assaulted his girlfriend, resulting in serious injuries, though the woman contradicted the prosecutors’ account. Horst indicated optimism about helping Porter integrate into Bucks culture, saying, “I think we have an opportunity to help Kevin Porter continue on the path of what he’s on, which is improving and growing. There’s no question that if he does that, we think he can help us.”
