The Milwaukee Bucks are not off to the start many envisioned when the 2024-25 NBA season began. While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are off to strong individual starts, the rest of the roster has yet to find consistency in both health and production. Most notably, three-time All-Star Khris Middleton has not played a game yet as he continues to recover from offseason surgery on both of his ankles.
Middleton’s absence has been frustrating for Bucks fans, who were told by head coach Doc Rivers that the franchise’s all-time leader in three-point shots made would be ready for the start of the regular season.
At 3-8 (the game they are currently playing against the Detroit Pistons has not ended as of this writing), Milwaukee is sorely missing their third option, but there does not appear to be a timeline for his return.
Prior to the game against Detroit, Bucks head coach gave a less-than-promising update on Middleton.
“He’s just progressing and going along,” Rivers said. “I mean, I don’t know what the return date was or that there was one set, so what we’re doing is getting him healthy, so that when he’s ready to play he’s ready to play.
“As I’ve jokingly said a million times, Doc is just a nickname. And I don’t really know. I checked in with the medical team and they tell me the same stuff. He’s getting there. He’s getting closer. And basically, I relay the same stuff to you.”
Fans were less than thrilled with this update, many calling for the Bucks to move on from the three-time All-Star.
As it turns out, one NBA analyst had a similar idea.
In a recent article posted on Bleacher Report, it was suggested the Milwaukee trade Middleton and their 2031 first round pick to the Houston Rockets for Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason.
“Milwaukee desperately needs athleticism and perimeter defense—to name just a few things. Brooks and Eason are not the most explosive, but they deter and disrupt. Ball containment and the ability to force turnovers go from crippling weaknesses to strengths with them in the fold.
“Moving Middleton is tough—both emotionally and functionally. The former matters, but cannot be a deciding factor. The Bucks offense will miss Middleton come playoff time, when Damian Lillard could be its only weapon equipped to break down set defenses. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a battering ram with more counters than often credited, but methodical attacks are not his forte.”
Dan Favale, who wrote the article, admits that this trade depends on a few factors. First and foremost, Middleton needs to be healthy. Second of all, Houston would need to agree to the trade.
The Potential of the Trade
The proposed trade does address some of the Bucks’ most pressing needs, particularly on defense. Brooks and Eason are both known for their defensive intensity and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Brooks in particular, is a renowned defender, who is known for his willingness to guard opposing team's best offensive player. Eason, on the other hand, is a promising young player who has the potential to develop into a star defender. Brooks and Eason would bring a much-needed energy and toughness to a Bucks team that has struggled defensively this season.
Examining the Trade’s Impact on Both Teams
For the Bucks, the trade would be a risky gamble. Middleton has proven to be a valuable asset, but he’s also 33 years old and coming off of a pair of ankle surgeries. There’s no guarantee that he’ll return to his former form, and it’s possible that the Bucks might be better off with a younger, more athletic player at his position. Brooks and Eason are both younger and more athletic than Middleton, and they could potentially fit in better with the Bucks’ current roster. Middleton could be a good fit for the Rockets. He could provide the scoring punch that they are missing from the wings. Middleton can still play offensively and has the potential to be a solid player for the Rockets.
The Rockets would be getting a proven scorer in Middleton, who could help them compete for a playoff spot. The Rockets are a young team that is looking to make a jump into contention and acquiring a player like Middleton could help them do that.
Conclusion
The Bucks face a difficult decision this season. They can either stick with Middleton and hope that he returns to his former form, or they can trade him and try to build a more athletic and defensively sound team. There’s no easy answer, and the Bucks will have to weigh all of the factors before making a decision. The potential for the Bucks to be a contender for a championship is diminished significantly without Middleton, but the chances of a successful trade for him are also very slim. With the uncertainty of Middleton's return and the Bucks' disappointing start to the season, it is likely that they will look to explore other options. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Middleton, but one thing is for sure - the Bucks need to find a way to improve their defense and athleticism if they want to compete for a championship.
