While it may not be as earth-shattering as the other blockbuster trades that have gone down in the NBA over the past few days, the Milwaukee Bucks are making moves as well. 

On Wednesday, news broke that the Bucks had struck a deal with the Washington Wizards to acquire the services of Kyle Kuzma. According to ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania, Milwaukee will send Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and a pick swap to Washington in exchange for Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and second-round draft compensation. 

This marks the end of an era for the Bucks now that they have agreed to part ways with Middleton, who played a pivotal role alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee’s iconic title run in 2021. 

More than a few fans out there will argue that Giannis and the Bucks would not have been able to reach the pinnacle had it not been for Middleton, who averaged 23.6 points (on 43.8% shooting), 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.6 triples during the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22), guard Damian Lillard (0) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) 

Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Antetokounmpo knows full well how important Middleton has been for the Bucks over the past several years. So much so, that the former back-to-back MVP decided to send a powerful two-word message to his now-ex-teammate.    

“My GOAT 🐐💯” Giannis posted on X along with a couple of photos of Middleton. 

Giannis and Middleton joined the Bucks at the same time. This was ahead of the 2013-14 season as Antetokounmpo entered the league as a rookie. Middleton, on the other hand, was traded to Milwaukee after playing his rookie year with the Detroit Pistons. 

Antetokounmpo will now have to move on and contend for another NBA championship alongside Damian Lillard and new recruit Kyle Kuzma. However, Giannis hasn’t done that without making his high opinion of Middleton extremely clear.