2. Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton has a player option in the 2023 summer and at that time, his best chance to maximize his career earnings will be to opt-out and work out a new multi-year deal. If the Lakers are looking after a championship-winning player who knows what it is like to be the sidekick next to a dominant front-court player then they should look no further than Khris Middleton.
While being a multi-time all-star, Middleton does not get the love he deserves for being such a big part of the Bucks’ success as a team. Yes, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the world and Jrue Holiday was the piece that helped push them over the edge but Middleton has been massively important for the Bucks.
Middleton too would be a great fit on the Los Angeles Lakers with an older LeBron and AD. He would be the perfect third scorer to give the Lakers 20 points a night and while his three-point shooting is down this season, he has historically been a reliable shooter from deep.
Middleton is someone who can be a fantastic off-ball shooter while also being someone who can create his own shot and really dominate the outside scoring when LeBron is on the bench, which will happen more in two years. He is not the best defender, but he certainly is not bad.
While Middleton is undoubtedly valuable to the Bucks, the team is tied up to $83.1 million in salary to Giannis and Holiday alone. As a small-market team, the Bucks may not want to tax the luxury tax hit that will undoubtedly come by re-signing Middleton.