Bucks reporter Gerry Woelfel has the scoop:
There has been speculation in recent days the Boston Celtics have interest in Kris Middleton, the Milwaukee Bucks’ standout shooting guard.
That interest hasn’t waned.
According to sources, the Bucks and Celtics are still exploring a potential deal that would send Middleton to the Celtics. Middleton, who can also play small forward, is coming off a breakthrough season. He averaged 18.2 points and 3.8 rebounds. He is a top-flight shooter, connecting on 40 percent of his treys last season.
One of the trade scenarios, a source said, is packaging Middleton with veteran center Greg Monroe, whom the Bucks have been seriously shopping. It is known the Celtics have had interest in Monroe for a long time.
In return for Middleton and Monroe, the Bucks could possibly acquire two first-round picks from the Celtics in today’s draft: Nos. 16 and 23, along with another player. Interestingly, the Bucks have worked out a spate of players who are projected to go in the 16 to 23 range, including guard Denzel Valentine of Michigan State, guard Malachi Richardson of Syracuse, guard Dejounte Murray of Washington and power forward Brice Johnson, among others.
I’d love to add Middleton but I’m not convinced Monroe will be much help. Again, we need a big who can defend the rim and that’s not his game.
The x-factor is this reported scenario is the “player.” Avery Bradley or Jae Crowder?
Another consideration is the money. Middleton and Monroe carry $32 million in salary. Fortunately, the Celtics have salary flexibility with Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko, Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller. You’d like them to keep enough space to sign a max contract.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
