The Milwaukee Bucks have re-signed free agent All-Star forward Khris Middleton.
“Khris is a critical piece of our core,” said Bucks general manager Jon Horst. “As an All-Star, Khris was an integral part of us winning 60 games and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. We’re thrilled Khris is staying in Milwaukee and look forward to even more success together.”
Middleton, 27, averaged 18.3 points and career highs in rebounds (6) and assists (4.3) per game last season, and was an All-Star for the first time in his career. He shot 44.1% from the field and 37.8% from three, appearing and starting in 77 contests for the team as it won an NBA-high 60 games.
Middleton has played a pivotal role for the team, starting in all 15 playoff games during the Bucks' run to the Eastern Conference Finals, averaging 16.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, and shooting 43.5% from the three-point line.
He was one of 10 finalists for the NBA Cares Community Assist Award, which honors a player’s strong commitment and positive impact on the community. He received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in December for his “12 Days of Khrismas” holiday initiative where he participated in 12 different acts of service with various people and community organizations in Wisconsin, South Carolina and Louisiana.
Originally acquired by the Bucks in a trade with the Detroit Pistons in July 2013 following his rookie season, Middleton has averaged 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game in six seasons with Milwaukee. He currently ranks third on the Bucks’ all-time list for 3-pointers made with 742.
Middleton and the Aggies advanced to the NCAA tournament in 2010 and 2011. Middleton led Texas A&M with 19 points in his lone tourney win over Utah St. in 2010.
The South Carolina native, who starred at Texas A&M, has played and started in 34 playoff games for the Bucks and is averaging 17.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals in the postseason while shooting 44.9% from the field and 44.6% from three.
