Maybe people should drop any thoughts that Khris Middleton is going to leave the Milwaukee Bucks and get swapped for Jimmy Butler as long as Giannis Antetokounmpo is there.
Apr 16, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives against Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) in the second half during game one of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) walks off the court following the game against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Recent reports revealed that the Bucks front office was advised by someone to not trade for the Miami Heat star, something that can only happen according to NBA insiders if they let go of their three veterans, led by Middleton.
“Lot of rumblings that the Milwaukee Bucks have also been informed not to trade for Jimmy Butler,” wrote analyst Kevin O’Connor on X.
Who could be that guy that informed the Bucks? Lots of speculation but many supporters of the team can only point their finger to one person – the Greek Freak.
Feb 15, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (23) during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
This is because this is not the first time it happened. There were 2018 rumors before that the Bucks will swap the two players when Butler was still with the Minnesota Timberwolves but the Greek Freak was quick in preventing that from happening.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo wouldn’t let Khris Middleton go
Former Bucks center John Henson revealed in 2023 how Middleton’s long-time teammate vetoed a possible deal that would have ended their five-year partnership in 2018.
During this time, the Bucks were still building but many critics thought they are already on their way to becoming a title contender.
Jul 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hugs Khris Middleton as they celebrate after defeating the Phoenix Suns during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Middleton is a key piece of that and Antetokounmpo thought their partnership should be kept according to Henson. Eventually, they won a championship together in 2021.
A tweet by Justin Termine from September 2023 reads:
Former Bucks Big Man John Henson told us on @SiriusXMNBA that the Bucks called Giannis to ask if he wanted to deal Khris Middleton for Jimmy Butler when Butler was unhappy in Minnesota.
According to Henson, Giannis vetoed the deal.
Based on this tweet, it will not be surprising if news come out that Giannis is behind the latest reason why Milwaukee still wouldn’t get Butler.
