Rockets Targeting Bucks' Khris Middleton During Off-Season Roster Improvements

The Houston Rockets have added Bucks' forward Khris Middleton to their list of targets entering the 2023 off-season.

The Houston Rockets have placed a hefty emphasis on making the playoffs next season as they move forward with their rebuilding project. The Rockets made their first move on Monday by hiring coach Ime Udoka. 

The Rockets will add major talent with their lottery pick during the 2023 NFL Draft. But with nearly $60 million in cap space, the Rockets are aiming to add most of their talent through free agency. And according to Yahoo Sports, Houston is targeting Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton. 

"Houston’s long-rumored potential reunion with [James] Harden, the 76ers guard who holds a player option for 2023-24, in addition to the Rockets’ chances at landing other primary free agents and top-billing trade targets this offseason, were repeated themes throughout Houston’s conversations with coaching candidates, sources said. 

"[Khris] Middleton [of the Milwaukee Bucks] has been another potential target discussed throughout the Rockets’ coaching search, sources said."

Injuries and personal issues made the 2022-23 campaign a rough season for Middleton. But the 31-year-old sharpshooter will enhance the Rockets' 3-point shooting struggles.

Middleton has shot 40.0 percent or better in five out of his 11 seasons in the league while averaging 17.0 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field.

In addition to Middleton, Yahoo Sports reported that the Rockets will also target Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden and Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown.

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