Khris Middleton opted to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks because believes he has unfinished business.
Middleton reportedly agreed to a five-year deal worth $178 million with the Bucks in the opening day of free agency despite knowing that several teams are expected to express interests on him. The 27-year-old power forward said that he decided to remain in Milwaukee because they failed to reach their goal last season.
“We are not done,” Middleton told Malika Andrews of ESPN. “The goal wasn't to reach the Eastern Conference finals — we are on a mission to win a championship. I want to be a part of that mission, which is why I am staying here in Milwaukee for the next five years.”
The Bucks were the favorites to win the Eastern Conference title last season after finishing with a league-best 60-22 record. They easily dismantled the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
They also looked poise to easily eliminate the Toronto Raptors after taking a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the Raptors won the next four games to advance to the finals, where they eventually defeated defending champions Golden State Warriors in six games.
Middleton started in all 77 games he played in last season, where he posted 18.3 points on top of 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 31.1 minutes per game. His excellent performance in the first half of the season also helped him make his first All-Star appearance.