3 reasons the Celtics should go after Khris Middleton
The Bucks shooting guard would be an ideal fit for the Celtics rebuild
COMMENTARY
It is no secret that Danny Ainge is in the market for a superstar this offseason. The problem for the Celtics’ president of basketball operations in recent weeks has been the lack of supply available across the league.
DeMarcus Cousins has a new coach in Sacramento, so Kings general manager Vlade Divac is determined to give that new marriage a chance. Jimmy Butler is the only building block left on the Chicago Bulls. Kevin Love just won an NBA championship, so the Cleveland Cavaliers likely won’t be in any kind of rush to move him. Larry Bird isn’t going to let Paul George go anywhere either. The list of unavailable top players goes on and on.
With the All-Star options dwindling, Ainge and the Celtics have started to turn to second-tier candidates. Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported Tuesday that the Celtics have been shopping the No. 3 overall pick in hopes of landing an established veteran starter. Gordon Hayward, Jabari Parker and Khris Middleton highlight the names that have been targeted to this point.
Unsurprisingly, the No. 3 pick and some matching contracts from Boston have not been enough to get a deal for the likes of Hayward or Middleton. The rising salary cap has created an economic climate where the salary cap room is plentiful for teams, generating less of a need to move proven talent for cost reasons.
The harsh reality is that Ainge and the Celtics are going to have dig deeper into their treasure chest of trade assets to swing a deal that moves the needle this offseason. Let’s look at three reasons one player might be worth chasing over others: Khris Middleton.
1. A contract that aligns with Boston’s rebuilding plan
If you are going to sacrifice assets, you want a player that is going to be around for a while, which is the case with Middleton. He’s 24 and under contract for at least three more seasons (fourth year is a player option for 2019-2020). With an average annual value of $14 million per season, Middleton is on a contract with terrific value, as well. He would give Boston the flexibility to continue to add to its core with big pieces in free agency while providing a substantial offensive upgrade in Boston’s backcourt.
2. Middleton is one of the best shooters in the league
The Celtics have made nice progress in the past two seasons in a number of areas, but perimeter shooting is not one of them. They ranked 27th in the league in 3-point shooting during the 2015-16 season, a flaw that was showcased in a first-round playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Middleton’s a 40 percent career shooter from long distance and averaged 18 points per game for a Bucks’ offense last year that lacked reliable contributors around him. He would immediately be Boston’s best shooter if acquired and would take some of the nightly scoring burden off of Isaiah Thomas.
3. Middleton has the size that allows for defensive versatility
The former second-round pick is not known for his defense, but at 6-foot-8, he has the stature to be able to guard at least two positions. Celtics coach Brad Stevens emphasizes a lot of switching in his current defensive schemes, so Middleton’s skills would translate well to small-ball lineups in Boston. He could handle a forward spot alongside Jae Crowder and provide some support in the rebounding department where he holds his own on the defensive glass (3.8 per game) for his size.
It’s not clear whether the Bucks will make Middleton available, but Ainge should put Milwaukee’s feet to the fire draft night to find out. A combination of the No. 3 picks and some of the team’s young pieces (such as Marcus Smart) in an offer should give the Bucks something to think about. It’s not the blockbuster deal fans might be hoping for, but it would help Boston take a significant step forward with their rebuild this offseason.
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