Khris Middleton could be the most ideal option for the Boston Celtics, who remain in the hunt for another puzzle piece to their championship hopes.
The Celtics are one of the teams still looking to upgrade their roster in hopes of forming a lineup capable of contending for a championship. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has admitted he is open to exploring trades as long as it turns them into legit "championship contender faster," but only for deals that won't sacrifice the team's "future assets."
With that being said, it would be wise for the Celtics to chase after players who could come up cheap, but would address the team's need. Ernest Shephard of the Inquisitr believes Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Khris Middleton remains a possibility for the Celtics, who have attempted to trade for the 25-year-old before this year's draft night.
Middleton, who averaged 18.2 points on 44.4 percent shooting from the field, including 39.6 from downtown, would address the Celtics' need of a reliable threat from the outside. Middleton would also bring defensive versatility for the Celtics due to this size and length. At 6-foot-8, Middleton can guard at least two positions, which could translate well to small-ball lineups.
Middleton's contract with the Bucks would also see him a piece worth sacrificing assets for. The former second-round pick is under contract for at least three more seasons, with his fourth year (2019-202) having a player option. Averaging $14 million per season, Middleton's contract would give Boston flexibility to continue adding quality players in the foreseeable future.
In Shephard's trade scenario, the Celtics would send Avery Bradley and Jonas Jerebko, plus their first-round draft picks for next season to the Bucks for Middleton.
Such deal would allow the Celtics to not give up too much of their assets and keep their core intact, while adding a talented young player in Middleton.
As for the Bucks, receiving Bradley and Jerebko could mean adding pieces to an already stacked backcourt and frontcourt, but with draft picks included, it should be something Milwaukee may consider.
It's unclear whether the Bucks would make Middleton available this season, but with a plethora of tradable assets, the Celtics have the best chance to lure Middleton should Milwaukee puts him on the trading block.