Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton hasn't had the best luck over the past year, suffering two major injuries that led to him being limited to 33 regular season games in 2022-23.

However, despite his recent injury having a potential impact on his market value ahead of free agency, Middleton is rumored to be leaning towards declining his $40.3 million player option for the 2022-23 season (per ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel).

“Middleton owns a $40.3 million player option for the 2023-24 season, but the three-time All-Star is leaning toward opting out of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent,” league sources tell Siegel.

Siegel adds that if the three-time All-Star “does not pick up his option for next season, the Bucks can offer Middleton a five-year, $272 million deal, whereas other teams could only offer him four years and just under $202 million.”

Article Continues Below
More Milwaukee Bucks News
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Bucks rumors: ‘Aggressive’ Giannis Antetokounmpo plan confirmedPreston Byers ·
Jabari Parker (Duke) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number two overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center.
Milwaukee Bucks’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historySpencer See ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the first quarter at the Chase Center.
NBA rumors: ESPN’s 4-team trade sends Giannis to Warriors, Draymond Green to LakersJulian Ojeda ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter in game five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Thunder draw ’90s Bulls comparison from Doc RiversJulian Ojeda ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Footprint Center.
Spurs rumors: ESPN puts together Giannis, Kevin Durant trade offersRishav Bhat ¡
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) looks on in the first quarter during game four against the Indiana Pacers of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Lillard left the game early in the in the first quarter with an injury.
Damian Lillard gets return prediction from Doc RiversZachary Draves ¡

Middleton “is still eligible to sign an extension worth upwards of $220 million on top of his option for next season through June 30.”

Though Middleton worked to get his legs under him during the 2022-23 regular season, starting in just 19 of 33 possible games while averaging 15.1 points per game, he continued to elevate his game during the postseason. With Giannis Antetokounmpo once again limited by injury, Middleton stepped up to average a team-high 23.8 points per game, his highest scoring average in the playoffs since the Bucks won a championship in 2021.

That said, if Middleton were to opt out of his contract, there are a number of teams that will have the cap space necessary to sign him outright in free agency.