Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (knee) is expected to suit up for Friday's preseason finale versus the Memphis Grizzlies. The veteran forward hasn't played during the preseason while he recovers from knee surgery. The expectation is that he'll play on Friday and should be available for the regular season opener later this month. The Bucks might ease Middleton into action on Friday, but he should be back to full speed in time for Opening Night.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (knee) is ready to step aside and allow Damian Lillard to remain a top-scoring threat for the team this season. Lillard is undoubtedly one of the best offensive producers in the National Basketball Association, so Middleton was already expected to see fewer chances on the scoring end. However, now that the former Trail Blazer is in Milwaukee, everyone on the roster, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, could see a decline in many statistical areas. Of course, his immediate concern should be to get healthy heading into the 2023-24 campaign and remain that way throughout the 82-game haul. That said, Middleton's fantasy stock is lower than it's been in recent memory, and it could decline even more if he's not available for Milwaukee to begin the regular season.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton hasn't been a full participant in training camp just yet, but he's been making progress with his individual workouts. The three-time All-Star spoke to reporters on Thursday and said, "I think I'm very close. Everything that they mapped out after my procedure and being able to get in the weight room and the court, I've been right on pace. It's been slow, but that's kind of the way they planned it out." This is very encouraging news after he was a shell of himself all last season and only appeared in 33 games. If he's fully healthy by opening night or shortly after, he should carry solid fantasy value since defenses now have to worry about Damian Lillard on top of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (knee) hasn't practiced with the team in training camp and could be in doubt for the season opener. Middleton was quoted during Monday's media day as saying he "feels great" and doesn't have the pain he had last year, but head coach Adrian Griffin has been very vague in his comments while discussing Middleton's status, leaving plenty of question marks up in the air. The injury-prone forward underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee shortly after Milwaukee's season ended last year. He was expected to make a full recovery and start working on the court in July, but Middleton apparently still isn't at 100 percent.

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin said forward Khris Middleton (knee) was unable to participate in Tuesday's training camp, but implied he was getting work in separately. The Bucks seem to be bringing the 32-year-old along slowly ahead of the regular season after Middleton underwent a minor surgery to repair a lingering knee issue early during this past offseason. Middleton faced strict limitations on the way back from 2022 summer wrist surgery, playing 33 games (19 starts) and averaging 24.3 minutes for 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, plus 1.5 three-pointers a year ago. But the three-time All-Star averaged 23.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 dimes, and 2.6 threes across five playoff games, and Middleton might be arriving at a bit of a discount while carrying a late-sixth-round ADP in 12-team Yahoo drafts. Still, fantasy managers will want to see him back at camp soon to quell any fear of early-season minutes restrictions.

Well, it finally happened. For the first time in 11 years, Damian Lillard is no longer a Trailblazer.On Wednesday, the nearly three-month saga that held NBA news hostage all summer came to an abrupt halt after Lillard was astonishingly acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks. It was a blockbuster three-team deal that included the Phoenix Suns, nine total players, one first-round pick, and one pick swap.Here is the full breakdown of the trade and my analysis of how it will affect the NBA in 2023-2024 and fantasy basketball. 

The Trade

The Bucks receive - Damian LillardThe Blazers receive - Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Bucks' 2029 first-round pick, Bucks' pick swapThe Suns receive - Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson, ... [More]

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has agreed to return to the team on a three-year, $102 million contract. It was hinted that the 31-year-old would re-sign with the Bucks when he partook in the squad's head-coaching search earlier this offseason. Middleton had a bumpy 2022-2023 regular season, but remains a key piece of Milwaukee's title-contending group as Giannis Antetokounmpo's running mate. In the postseason, Middleton notched 23.8 points, 6.4 boards, 6.2 assists, and 2.6 threes over 34.6 minutes per game. The three-time All-Star represents a possible bounce-back candidate in upcoming fantasy drafts.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo, forward Khris Middleton and the Bucks are nearing a new contract. The 31-year-old opted out of his $40 million player option and reportedly drew interest from many clubs around the NBA. However, it looks like he'll stay in Milwaukee and continue to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Middleton finished the regular season by averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds. But he's dealt with various injuries in the last few seasons, and his 31.5% shooting from deep in 2022-23 also needs to improve.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton may have declined his player option last week. However, Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer states that "all signs are pointing to" the 31-year-old re-upping on a new deal with the team when free agency officially commences on June 30. It coincides with a previous report from Fischer that Middleton participated in meetings pertaining to Milwaukee's head-coaching search earlier this month. Middleton is coming off a down season while working his way back from wrist surgery last summer. The three-time All-Star came alive a bit in March and April, though, specifically collecting 23.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game during the Eastern Conference First Round.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has declined his $40.4 million player option and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that a return to the Bucks on a new deal remains a possibility for Middleton. With him soon turning 32 and having a lengthy injury history, Middleton is looking to secure a multi-year deal. He was limited to only 33 games and 19 starts this past season, averaging 15.1 points and 4.2 rebounds with 4.9 assists in 24.3 minutes. Middleton is still an extremely productive player when healthy, and hopefully the worst is behind him injury-wise after he underwent successful surgery on his right knee following Milwaukee's first-round exit versus Miami.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is expected to remain with the team. "When you look at his future in Milwaukee, I think there's a lot of signs that would point to him going back," said NBA insider Shams Charania. Middleton has a $40.4 million player option for next season and must make a decision on it by June 21. The three-time All-Star is currently recovering from a right knee procedure and is expected to be cleared for basketball activities soon. Middleton struggled with the knee issue throughout the season and was limited to just 33 regular-season appearances.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (knee) underwent successful surgery on Thursday. The 31-year-old underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure to address a lingering knee issue. He's expected to be fully recovered and back on the court by early July. Middleton only appeared in 33 games for the Bucks this past season. He could be a free agent this summer, assuming he decides to decline his $40 million player option. However, it seems unlikely that Middleton would decline that option considering he probably wouldn't get $40 million per year in free agency. Hopefully, Middleton will be fully healthy and bounce back next season.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo.com, many around the league expect forward Khris Middleton to remain in Milwaukee. The veteran has a $40 million player option but is searching for a new deal. While there are still doubts Middleton will be back, he sat in during meetings with prospective coaching candidates after the dismissal of Mike Budenholzer. The three-time All-Star had a down year in 2022-23, averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, 4.2 steals, and shooting 31.5% from deep. He was also limited to 33 regular season games due a torn ligament in his left wrist. At any rate, Middleton is an excellent bounce-back candidate for fantasy managers, although he's likely to miss time because of injuries moving ahead.

The Milwaukee Bucks want to keep ahold of forward Khris Middleton and center Brook Lopez, with general manager Jon Horst rating both players very highly. "It's pretty clear, Khris and Brook are core to what we've done," Horst said to The Athletic. Middleton has a $40.4 million player option for next season, which he is expected to decline, while Lopez is an unrestricted free agent. The two helped the Bucks to the best record in the league this season, although Middleton was able to play in just 33 games due to health issues.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton was the team's leading scorer with an efficient 23 points in Saturday's Game 3 loss to Miami. Middleton played great, shooting 8-for-14 from the field and 3-for-5 from outside, but the Bucks ended up suffering a blowout defeat and will now be under huge pressure if they also drop Game 5. In 34 minutes of action, Middleton also posted five rebounds, six assists and two steals on Saturday. He will be expected to lead the charge again Monday if Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) can't return.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton put up a big-time scoring line even though it ended up not being enough to secure the win over the Miami Heat on Sunday. The former second-round pick ended the night with 33 points on 12-for-20 shooting overall and 2-for-7 from deep while adding nine rebounds and four assists. He was the only member of the starting five with a positive plus/minus despite turning the ball over five times. Depending on Giannis Antetokounmpo's (back) health, Middleton could be vaulted into a huge role.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (knee) was able to get through a full practice on Thursday. This is a good sign that Middleton will be available for the first round of the postseason. The Bucks have been cautious with Middleton throughout most of the season as he works his way back from injury. It's worth noting that Grayson Allen (ankle) and Pat Connaughton (ankle) were also able to practice on Thursday. It sounds like all three of them are on track to suit up for Sunday's contest.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (rest) is listed as out for Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. This doesn't come as a surprise considering Tuesday is the front end of a back-to-back set. Middleton has not played in both games of a back-to-back set since returning from injury. The Bucks are saving Middleton for a more competitive team in the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should expect Joe Ingles and Pat Connaughton to have bigger roles with Middleton sidelined on Tuesday.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (knee) will sit out Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. On the other hand, forward Joe Ingles (knee) will be available to play. Both Ingles and Middleton were questionable to play as Milwaukee heads into a back-to-back set of games, but it appears they will stagger their rest days. Middleton will presumably be back Thursday while Ingles sits out the second game. Pat Connaughton should see some extra runs in both games.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (knee) is questionable ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks are in postseason mode, so keeping Middleton off the floor against one of the worst teams in the NBA could be the plan. If that's the case, Pat Connaughton, who has averaged 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 32 starts this season, will roll with the first five.