B/R suggests All-Star free agent could land in Sacramento
By Logan Struck
The Sacramento Kings are entering an offseason full of high expectations. This 2023 offseason should be busy for the Kings as they are looking to make some roster changes and not only get back to the playoffs next year but make it past the first round. The Kings have their starting small forward, Harrison Barnes, and two bench forwards, Terence Davis and Trey Lyles, pending free agency. Sacramento will have some holes to fill this offseason, especially at the forward position.
Bleacher/Report suggests the Sacramento Kings could be a surprise landing spot for free agent Khris Middleton. The Milwaukee Bucks star forward would be a great fit on this Kings squad after spending the last ten years of his career on the Bucks. Middleton is a one-time champion and three-time All-Star, most recently in 2022.
Khris Middleton is coming off a season ruined by injuries, as he only played 33 games. In those 33 games, Middleton was still getting back into his groove, averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds. Many people are counting Middleton out after a down year, but what he can do while healthy is undeniable.
Khris Middleton could take the Sacramento Kings to the next level.
The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs, but in that series against the Miami Heat, Middleton showed glimpses of what he can still do. He averaged 23.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 6.4 rebounds through the five-game series, including two outbursts of 33 points.
Khris Middleton has a pending player option worth $40.4 million but will “likely turn it down.” If Middleton leaves Milwaukee, he should look at a young team in the wide-open Western Conference. He can thrive in a fast-paced system and feed off All-NBA talents De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Middleton is turning 32 years old this year, making his age a concern along with his health. But the Sacramento Kings could use some veteran championship experience on and off the court. Middleton has not played over 70 games in a season since 2018-19 but has been a big reason for the Bucks’ success the past few years.
With Harrison Barnes potentially leaving in free agency, Khris Middleton would be a fantastic replacement, fitting right in as a Sacramento King.
