Khris Middleton (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

A blockbuster trade proposal has the struggling Milwaukee Bucks shaking up their core by dealing All-Star forward Khris Middleton to a Western Conference heavyweight.

The Bucks are one of the biggest disappointments thus far, carrying a 4-8 record heading into Saturday’s tilt against the Charlotte Hornets. The absence of Khris Middleton, recovering from surgery on both his ankles, is obviously a key reason behind Milwaukee’s struggles.

Milwaukee still doesn’t know when exactly Middleton may return to action. If the struggles continue over the long run, could it prompt the front office to make a change by trading the three-time All-Star?

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz proposed a monster three-team trade proposal that has Milwaukee dealing Khris Middleton to the Golden State Warriors. In Luna’s proposal, the Bucks would get Jerami Grant from Portland, with the Dubs sending Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody to the Trail Blazers:

“A starting five of Damian Lillard, Gary Trent Jr., Grant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez would remain one of the best in the East, as Grant averaged 21.0 points and made 40.2 percent of his threes last season. Lillard and Grant already carry a year of experience together from their 2022-23 season with the Blazers.

The Warriors are essentially swapping Andrew Wiggins for Middleton here, as Moody may not even play much this upcoming season with the additions of Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton combined with Brandin Podziemski entering the starting lineup full-time.”

The Bucks took a big risk last year by trading All-Star guard and defensive stalwart Jrue Holiday to Portland as part of the blockbuster deal for Damian Lillard. Though the latter has fared well in Milwaukee, Holiday was later sent to the Boston Celtics in a separate trade.

Holiday played an instrumental role in helping the Boston Celtics win the 2024 NBA Championship. The Bucks made their biggest competitors in the East even stronger, and their defense took a big hit without Holiday.

So, the Bucks have to think carefully about altering their core again. But if things don’t turn around soon, trading Khris Middleton has to be considered.

Khris Middleton Would Make Warriors The Top Team In West

Golden State’s bold decision to essentially swap out Klay Thompon fo Buddy Hield has paid major dividends. With Stephen Curry still in his prime, the Dubs look every bit like a championship contender.

But adding Middleton would make Golden State the team to beat in the West. They’re already scary enough as is, but adding his dynamic scoring abilities would add more fuel to an already prolific offense.