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Milwaukee Bucks wingman Khris Middleton has a big decision to make, and he has to make it soon. The crafty veteran has a player option worth $40.4 million that he has to decide on by June 1st. He can either opt in or opt on and enter unrestricted free agency. Should he decide to choose the latter, NBA executives believe the Bucks are in a great position to retain the Texas A&M product with another long-term deal.

Returning to the Bucks

According to a report by HoopsHype Michael Scotto, NBA executives believe that should Middleton opt out, he will eventually return to Milwaukee for a four-year deal.

“NBA executives across the league who spoke with HoopsHype expect the Milwaukee Bucks to retain Khris Middleton this summer. Those executives project Middleton to command a four-year, $130 million contract from Milwaukee should he decline his $40.4 million player option for the upcoming season and enter unrestricted free agency,” wrote Scotto.

The grass isn’t green on the other side

The unknown always holds some allure, but Middleton’s best chance of winning another championship is with the Bucks. While it would be tempting to jump at the opportunity to join teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, Middleton has to think twice about doing so. The Bucks have been one of the NBA’s most consistent teams over the past few years, even winning it all in 2021.

Despite battling injuries this season and playing in just 33 games, Middleton holds a lot of cache with the Bucks. He has the starting shooting guard position and has built great chemistry with his fellow stars, especially Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks’ current core has been together for a few seasons now, and the familiarity with one another could be something Middleton wouldn’t find on any other team.