Following a horrible start to the season, the Bucks have finally caught stride. They have won their last five games and sit comfortably in the fourth spot of the East standings. But many believe they are still one piece away from becoming legitimate title contenders. And what’s that? Star power! According to reports, Jimmy Butler and Zach LaVine are on their radar. And there were murmurs suggesting that they were willing to part ways with Khris Middleton to pull off a blockbuster trade. However, the Bucks GM seems to have switched his stance on that option!

As per veteran insider Sean Wright, “Jon Horst has privately informed Khris Middleton that he will remain a Buck through the trade deadline.” Yup! The leaked conversation reveals that the Milwaukee franchise plans on sticking with the superstar who helped them win a title four years ago.

Well, the decision could permanently shut the doors on the Butler and LaVine pursuit. For the deal to go through, the Bucks need to involve Middleton’s contract in a trade to get under the second apron and avoid trade restrictions. Khris still has another year left on his deal with a $34 million player option for next season.

At this stage in his career, he is likely to opt into it because that might be the best number he can get. Furthermore, Middleton has not been the player he once was following his dual ankle surgeries last offseason. Showing a significant decline, his averages have dropped to 12.6 points and less than four rebounds.

Moreover, he has played only eighteen games this season because of the injury woes. But now that Horst has reportedly made his promise to Khris, the dream of adding a third superstar alongside Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo might be over. However, they can still make smaller moves, utilizing two other players.

Trading two players could save the Bucks despite Jon Horst’s word to Khris Middleton

Although Middleton’s game has declined, keeping him on the roster might not be a terrible idea. He is still a proven star who can handle the playoff pressure and can easily play the role of a third option behind Dame and Giannis when healthy. Moreover, the Bucks can still solve their second apron problem by parting ways with Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis. Connaughton has fallen out of rotation since Doc Rivers took over and the Bucks can get rid of his $9.4 million contract to get under the second apron.

Of course, that would open up some trade options for them before the deadline. Then, they could club Bobby Portis’ $12.5 million salary along with some draft capital to look at other potential options. Cam Johnson seems like a solid addition. Well, if Giannis and Dame continue what they have been doing and Middleton is able to stay healthy, they might not need a third superstar after all. And a player like Cam would improve their depth and potentially make them legitimate contenders.

Do you agree?