The Bucks traded point guard Brandon Knight at the trade deadline in part so they wouldn’t have to choose between paying him and Khris Middleton in restricted free agency. After a breakout season in which he averaged 13.4 points per game and shot 40.7 percent from three, Middleton was due for a big payday, and he got it, according to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein:
This is a terrific deal for the Bucks, keeping their best shooter and most consistent offensive player around for the long term. $14 million per year for a starting-caliber two-way wing is going to be a steal when the salary cap goes up. The Bucks still need some depth in the frontcourt, but following a surprising playoff run, they’re building a good thing here.