2021 NBA champion Khris Middleton has spoken about the Bucks trading him away to Wizards for Kyle Kuzma.
Middleton played his first game for the Washington team, ironically against the Bucks, this week.
It’s the first time in 12 seasons he’s played for a team other than the Bucks, and it’s something he’s still trying to come to terms with.
“Yeah, it’s a range,” Middleton said of the emotions he continues to feel, via The Athletic. “Like, it’s a cycle I go through a lot of times. I’m trying to get out of that cycle now because it’s over with, and there’s no point of really going down that path. But definitely anger. Definitely, like sadness. Like denial, ‘Why would they do that?’ Questioning their decision and stuff like that.
“But I think it’s healthy for me to think about all that stuff and try to bottle that and put that into something positive. And for me, that’s starting here. That’s helping these guys get their building blocks and helping them grow this organization like I did with the Bucks.”
The 33-year-old had offseason surgeries on both ankles and has been often injured for the last three seasons, so he understands why the Bucks wanted to trade him.
“I’ve had many opportunities,” Middleton said. “I mean, that’s the way I’ve kind of looked at it. My time ran out. Simple as that.
“I mean, I could say my time could have ran out a long time ago. They held onto me, believed in the potential, believed in the work that they saw. But I think this time, it was just, we think a different route is better for our team going forward. And I can’t do nothing but respect that.”
His former teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo had jokes as the pair faced off for the first time, but it was clear the Greek Freak will miss Middleton.
“He does not make that jersey look good at all,” Antetokounmpo said, cracking a smile. “It’s fun. We had a few laughs on the court. I miss him. I definitely miss that guy.”
READ MORE: Jimmy Butler Gets Honest About Being ‘Wanted’ at Golden State