Just a few years ago, Khris Middleton was considered one of the Miami Heat's biggest foes. But now, because of his relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Middleton could end up playing a key part in the Heat's attempt to build a championship supporting cast around their new dynamic duo.
Even though the Giannis trade hasn't even formally been announced by either the Heat or Bucks, and that won't happen until the new league year, there have been a handful of players already linked to Giannis as potential options for the Heat to bring in.
Middleton, who played with Giannis in Milwaukee for more than a decade, happens to be one of those players. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Middleton is already a player who could be on the Heat's radar because of his long relationship with Giannis.
Kris Middleton could be a cheap veteran option for the Heat
Middleton made a name for himself after a decade-plus of individual success and production for the Bucks, eventually winning a championship with Giannis in 2021. But no Heat fan will ever forget his game-winning three-point shot back in March of 2015.
Interestingly enough, that's the shot that ended up gifting the Heat the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, in which they would select Justise Winslow. And even though the loss helped the Heat more than it hurt them, it's one of those vivid memories that Heat fans will always associate with Middleton.
But, maybe that can change if he were to don a Heat jersey this season. Of all the cheap options that could be on the table for the Heat this summer, Middleton could be one of the few that makes all the sense in the world.
It goes far beyond just Middleton's relationship with Giannis, though that will help. In theory, Middleon is the type of veteran who could work in Miami. If he can remain somewhat healthy (and that's certainly a big question mark), Middleton's shooting is exactly what the Heat is lacking.
While availability would be a very real concern if the Heat wanted to go down this path, Middleton is coming off a season in which he still shot 39 percent on 3's. Playing next to Giannis and Bam would only make that much easier for Middleton.
But, again, the big question would revolve around whether Middleton can remain healthy. Since the 2022-23 NBA season, injuries have taken a toll on Middleton. However, if it's any consolation, Middleton did play in 63 games last season, splitting time with the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks.
At the very least, the Heat could view Middleton as a low-cost option that they could bring in to experiment with. At the very minimum, he could be a great locker room presence with all the experience he brings.
As the Heat begins to evaluate their options to build around Giannis and Bam, it wouldn't be shocking if Middleton's name came up. And if he's willing to play on the cheap, it may be a foregone conclusion at this point.
Add us as a preferred source on Google