Giannis’ Wife Issues 3-Word Message to Khris Middleton’s Partner as Ex-Bucks Star’s Future Seemingly Gets Confirmed

The Milwaukee Bucks trading Khris Middleton marked the end of an era in the NBA. And even though things may have gotten awkward, Khris’ teammates were all deeply saddened by his move. Middleton’s former teammate, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and his wife Mariah, in particular, were devastated by his trade. Giannis himself penned a brief yet heartfelt farewell to his friend and now his wife, Mariah, has done the same for Middleton and his wife.

Khris Middleton’s wife, Samantha Dutton, penned a lovely farewell to the Milwaukee Bucks on Instagram. She thanked the club, the city, and the friends and family they gained along the way. And on that post, Mariah expressed her love for Samantha and her husband. “Love you forever💛,” she wrote in a comment on the post below.

She also re-shared the post in an Instagram story with the same caption. It’s clear that this move has affected Giannis and his wife a lot.

Giannis said that his and Middleton’s bond ran deeper than just being teammates. “For me, it’s a little bigger than business, it’s family. It’s almost like I’ve been to war with him. That’s what I remember,” shared Antetokounmpo.

It’s not hard to see the pain behind Giannis and his wife’s words. After all, they bid farewell to the people they’ve been so close with for more than a decade. However, in light of Khris’s trade, his former teammate Bobby Portis Jr. has given us a glimpse into what the future may hold for the 33-year-old after his move to Washington.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s teammate shares his take on Khris Middleton opting for a buyout

Bobby Portis Jr. is a big presence in the Milwaukee Bucks locker room. His outspoken nature allows him to rally his teammates, giving them a burst of energy whenever he’s on the court. And it’s this outspokenness that enables us to learn about certain things behind the scenes that we won’t be privy to otherwise.

And right now, Khris Middleton’s trade is the perfect example. He was traded to the Wizards, the bottom seed in the Eastern Conference. Many people speculated that he may opt for a buyout to avoid spending the twilight of his career on a team that may end up relying on him too much. But Portis Jr. has quashed that notion.

He revealed it all to Michele Beadle, Chandler Parsons, and Lou Williams during his appearance on Run It Back. Bobby said, “He has another year on his deal. I can’t see him taking a buyout with another year left on his deal. Maybe if it was an expiring contract  then probably so.”

He then used himself as an example, “But if I’m taking a buyout I’m not taking a buyout with 2 years left on my deal. I’m taking the bread!…Imma take the punches.”

Bobby makes a fair point about the buyout, though. With a year left on Khris Middleton’s deal, walking away from his guaranteed salary would be a massive financial sacrifice. Middleton is set to earn $31 million for the 2024-25 season, with an additional $9.2 million in potential incentives across his contract. That includes $3 million in “unlikely” bonuses this season, meaning that if he hits certain milestones—like games played or team success—he could be looking at an even bigger payday.

If he were to take a buyout, he’d be giving up not just his base salary but also the chance to hit those incentive markers. And given that Middleton also holds a player option for 2025-26, he still has control over his next move. Opting in could secure another $34 million, or he could choose free agency if a better situation arises. (credit: Spotrac)

So, financially, a buyout just wouldn’t make sense. Even if the Wizards aren’t competing for a title anytime soon, Middleton is still getting paid—and getting paid well.

Meanwhile, back in Milwaukee, the Bucks’ locker room will really miss him. Nonetheless, no one seems more affected by Khris’ trade than Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although… his wife remains a close second.