Khris Middleton thanked the Milwaukee Bucks for shaping him into the "person and player I am today", a week after his trade to the Washington Wizards. (More Sports News)
♊Middleton, who had been at the Bucks since the 2013-14 season, headed to the Wizards along with rookie first-round pick AJ Johnson, with Kyle Kuzma and Patrick Baldwin Jr. joining Milwaukee
Khris Middleton thanked the Milwaukee Bucks for shaping him into the "person and player I am today", a week after his trade to the Washington Wizards. (More Sports News)
ꦓMiddleton, who had been at the Bucks since the 2013-14 season, headed to the Wizards along with rookie first-round pick AJ Johnson, with Kyle Kuzma and Patrick Baldwin Jr. joining Milwaukee.
𒅌The three-time All-Star has seen his playing time limited by injuries in recent years. He managed just 55 games last season, following 33 in 2022-23, while he only made his first appearance of 2024-25 on December 6, having had off-season surgery on both ankles.
ꦑHe was instrumental in their 2021 NBA Championship success, averaging 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.52 steals in 23 playoff games, as they won the trophy for the first time since 1970-71.
🌺Middleton is also the career leader in three-pointers (1,382) and ranks only behind Giannis Antetokounmpo in games (735) and minutes (23,039). He sits third in franchise history for points (12,586) and assists (2,990).
🔥The 33-year-old was full of praise for his time in Milwaukee, thanking the organisation and fans alike after ending his stay of nearly 12 years.
ꦉ"Twelve years ago, I arrived in this city as a young player with big dreams," he said in a message posted on his social media channels.
🌌"Today, I leave as an NBA champion, 3x All-Star, an Olympic gold medalist, and most importantly, someone who Milwaukee helped shape into the person and player I am today.
🧜"From the moment I stepped foot in this city, you embraced me. Together, we experienced the rebuilding years, the emergence of a championship contender, and ultimately, the unforgettable journey to the 2021 NBA Championship.
🔜"That magical run will stay with me forever - the late-game shots, the comeback victories, and most importantly, bringing the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to Milwaukee after 50 years."
🦂He continued: "To the incredible Bucks fans: Your passion and support through every up and down has been nothing short of amazing.
🧸"From the early days at the Bradley Center, to the energy at Fiserv Forum and the packed Deer District during our championship run - the way this city rallies behind its team is something special that I'll always cherish.
▨"To the Bucks organisation: Thank you for believing in me, developing me, and giving me the opportunity to grow from a trade piece into an All-Star and champion.
꧒"To the Milwaukee community: This city has become my home. The relationships built, the community initiatives we've worked on together, and the countless memories made both on and off the court will stay with me forever.
🍨"As I begin this new chapter, I'm excited for the opportunities ahead. But Milwaukee will always hold a special place in my heart. This isn't goodbye - it's thank you."