Wed Jan 08 16:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Bucks Bench Khris Middleton Amidst Injury Management and Trade Speculation
**Milwaukee, WI –** The Milwaukee Bucks have announced a change to their starting lineup, moving three-time All-Star Khris Middleton to the bench. The decision, confirmed by NBA insider Chris Haynes, is primarily due to Middleton’s ongoing recovery from offseason ankle surgeries. The 33-year-old forward is currently under a minutes restriction and recently missed a game for “injury management.”
By shifting Middleton to a bench role, head coach Doc Rivers aims to maintain continuity within the starting five of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, Andre Jackson, and Taurean Prince. This strategy allows the Bucks flexibility to manage Middleton’s minutes without disrupting the starting lineup’s rhythm, even on nights he sits out. Middleton will be available for Wednesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.
While Middleton’s move to the bench comes amid trade rumors linking the Bucks to Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, a deal appears unlikely due to salary cap constraints. Although Middleton would likely be a key component in any trade offer for Butler, sources suggest the Bucks have been cautioned against pursuing the Heat guard.
Middleton has averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 12 games this season. He initially came off the bench in his first five appearances before returning to the starting lineup for seven games before this recent change.
The Bucks’ decision echoes a similar move by the Phoenix Suns with Bradley Beal earlier this week, highlighting a trend of teams managing veteran players’ minutes and health. The team’s front office is reportedly considering various options to upgrade the roster, with several names mentioned in internal discussions including Dejounte Murray, Kyle Kuzma, Mike Conley, Malcolm Brogdon, Julius Randle, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. However, the feasibility of any potential trades remains uncertain.
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