Restricted free agent Khris Middleton and the Milwaukee Bucks are nearing a five-year, $70 million deal, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Bucks and Middleton are closing in on a five-year contract worth an estimated $70 million after the 23-year-old’s breakout season as an impact two-way player under new Bucks coach Jason Kidd. The deal, sources said, will include a player option that allows Middleton to return to free agency after Year 4.
Although deals can’t be formally signed until a leaguewide moratorium on player business is lifted July 9, Milwaukee was eager to come to terms with Middleton and agent Michael Lindeman of Excel Sports before interested rivals could start wooing the versatile forward with offer sheets.
Middleton has always been a priority, and the Bucks didn’t even allow him to sniff other offers.