Open Extended ReactionsWashington Wizards star Khris Middleton has picked up his $33.3 million player option for the 2025-26 season, sources told ESPN on Monday. A beloved three-time All-Star with the Bucks, Middleton was traded to the Wizards at the deadline last season as Milwaukee attempted to get younger at forward. Middleton rose from G League player to NBA All-Star on the strength of his ability to play well off Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. In a five-year stretch that began with the 2017-18 season and ran through 2021-22, Middleton averaged over 20 points four times. He co-starred with Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday to lead Milwaukee in 2021 to its first NBA title in 50 years.