Khris Middleton is one of the wealthiest NBA players in history, but he may not be setting the world on fire on the court. According to the Arizona Republic, Middleton had the highest per game salary in the league this season, making $17.5 million. But it’s his contract with Under Armour that takes in the bulk of his money. Since he signed a four-year deal in November 2017, his shoe contract has been worth around $14 million a year.
Middleton was a relatively unknown player when the Los Angeles Lakers signed him in late 2014. A few years later, he became a key player on the Lakers’ roster and now ranks among the wealthiest players in the NBA. But Middleton’s wealth does not come from salaries, but from endorsements and investments.
Middleton’s earnings pale in comparison to the other players on the Milwaukee Bucks, who earned over $150 million last year, but Khris is one of the best players on the team and one of the best in the NBA. Middleton’s earnings put Middleton on the list of the top 10 highest-paid players in the NBA, but they fall short of the money generated by other players on the Bucks, who earned over $150 million last season.
During the 2021 playoffs, Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton grabbed his respect, and he may be able to utilize his newfound celebrity status to earn more endorsement money.
Middleton received greater national attention throughout the playoffs, particularly during the NBA Finals. Although Giannis Antetokounmpo was named MVP, Middleton’s performance was not overshadowed.
Middleton may be able to discover other sources of revenue now that he has helped the Bucks win a championship.
Khris Middleton is among the NBA’s highest-paid players.
Middleton’s finances are in good shape when it comes to basketball money.
During the 2020-21 season, the Bucks swingman earned more than $33 million. According to ESPN, that pay places him 15th in the NBA, ahead of superstars like Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving. Middleton is benefiting from the maximum contract he signed in the summer of 2019.
Surprisingly, that contract was met with suspicion. Due to the Bucks’ choice to grant Middleton the maximum contract, Malcolm Brogdon was able to sign an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers, despite the luxury tax. Was it fair for Milwaukee to prioritize Middleton above Brogdon when it came to re-signing him?
If the last two seasons have taught us anything, it’s that the response is a resounding “yes.”
During the 2019-20 season, Middleton established new career highs in almost every statistic, averaging 20.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 41.5 percent from beyond the arc. This season, he put up almost similar statistics, averaging 20.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
In the playoffs, the 29-year-old increased his output, averaging 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. He provided the Bucks with a much-needed shot-creator and was a game-ending threat.
Milwaukee’s investment in Middleton has more than paid for itself.
Middleton is paid close to nothing for endorsements.
Every NBA player on Sportico’s list of the Top 100 Highest Paid Athletes in 2021 had at least 500,000 Instagram followers and earned at least $1 million in endorsements in the previous year… with the exception of Khris Middleton
https://t.co/udQiJ9v5bq pic.twitter.com/2GvLn1Ts6h He’s the NBA’s unsung herohttps://t.co/udQiJ9v5bq
July 22, 2021 — Lev Akabas (@LevAkabas)
Remember how Middleton’s pay is more than that of Lillard and Irving? It’s virtually meaningless, given how much money those people have in endorsement deals.
Middleton receives the least amount of endorsement of any NBA player that reached Sportico’s Top 100 Highest-Paid Athletes list, according to Lev Akabas. He is the only player on the list whose sponsorships total less than $1 million.
This may or may not come as a surprise. Middleton does not have a large fan base. In fact, he has the 51st most Instagram followers among NBA players.
Khris Middleton is a two-time All-Star who recently had a postseason average of 24-5-8, yet he’s not even in the top 100 NBA players in terms of Instagram followers.
Jrue Holiday and he are 50th and 51st, respectively, out of 53 current or former All-Stars who played >20 minutes per game last year pic.twitter.com/BQO9cg3PS7
July 22, 2021 — Lev Akabas (@LevAkabas)
Despite becoming an All-Star in 2019 and 2020, Middleton has managed to go under the radar. For years, he has consistently been one of the top players on a championship contender.
Sure, Milwaukee is a smaller media market, and Middleton isn’t known for being showy in his work. Nonetheless, he has always appeared to deserving of more attention as an NBA superstar.
Middleton’s brilliance can no longer be overlooked by basketball fans. Sponsors may be eager to sign him to endorsement contracts as well.
Middleton and the Bucks will try to win it all again.
Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks wants more appreciation from basketball fans | Justin Casterline/Getty Images
The Bucks will try to become the 14th club in NBA history to repeat as champions. They have the advantage of being able to rerun it with the majority of the same components.
Middleton’s deal extends through the 2022-23 season, with a $40 million player option for 2023-24. After signing a multi-year deal this past winter, Giannis Antetokounmpo is locked in for the next several seasons. Jrue Holiday has agreed to a four-year contract deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Brook Lopez has a contract as well.
Milwaukee is defending its championship. For the time being, the Bucks will savor their title, with unheralded players like Middleton possibly hoping to share in the glory.
Basketball Reference provided the stats and contract information.
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During the NBA off-season, only a handful of players earn the opportunity to make a significant amount of money. For Khris Middleton, a guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, it’s a whole different story. In the NBA, only one player—Russell Westbrook—earns as much as Khris does off the court.. Read more about khris middleton height and let us know what you think.
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