The Miami Heat’s blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo may not be the organization’s final major move of the offseason. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, veteran forward Khris Middleton is a free-agent name to monitor as Miami looks to build around its newly acquired superstar.
Middleton spent more than a decade alongside Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, forming one of the NBA’s most successful partnerships and helping deliver the Bucks’ first championship in 50 years during the 2020-21 season. As Miami reshapes its roster following the Giannis trade, adding a trusted former teammate could provide valuable continuity.
The Heat completed one of the league’s largest trades in recent memory by acquiring Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee. In exchange, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a pick swap and a second-round selection to the Bucks.
The move came after Miami finished 43-39 and secured the Eastern Conference’s final Play-In Tournament spot during the 2025-26 season.
Antetokounmpo immediately changes Miami’s trajectory. Despite appearing in only 36 games last season, the two-time MVP averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 62.4 percent from the field. Paired with Bam Adebayo, he gives the Heat one of the league’s most formidable defensive frontcourts.
A Middleton addition would address a different need. While no longer the All-Star player he was during Milwaukee’s championship years, the 34-year-old remains an experienced secondary playmaker and floor spacer. Across 63 games with the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks in 2025-26, Middleton averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 36.0 percent from three-point range.
His production declined from his peak years, but Middleton has built a reputation as a reliable postseason performer and half-court shot creator. During his Milwaukee tenure, he earned three All-Star selections and averaged at least 20 points per game in three separate seasons. His best statistical campaign came in 2019-20, when he posted 20.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from three.
Middleton’s NBA journey has taken several turns in recent seasons. After spending 11-plus seasons with Milwaukee, he was traded to the Wizards at the 2025 trade deadline. He was then moved again on Feb. 5 when Dallas acquired him as part of a three-team Anthony Davis deal involving Charlotte and Washington.
The financial aspect could also work in Miami’s favor. Middleton is coming off a three-year, $93 million contract and enters free agency after averaging 22.8 minutes per game last season. Rather than carrying the expectations of a primary scorer, he could step into a complementary role next to Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
For Heat president Pat Riley, the objective is clear. Miami transformed itself from a Play-In team into a contender by acquiring Antetokounmpo. Bringing in Middleton would not generate the same headlines, but reuniting one of the most accomplished duos of the past decade could help strengthen the Heat’s pursuit of an Eastern Conference title.
