Report: Middleton has surgeries on both ankles, expected back for season

Milwaukee Bucks starter Khris Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania and Eric Nehm.

The 32-year-old is expected to return by the start of the 2024-25 campaign, Charania adds.

Middleton's left ankle surgery occurred soon after the Bucks were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers. It came as a result of an ankle sprain he suffered on Feb. 6 against the Phoenix Suns.

The three-time All-Star underwent the procedure in his right ankle in mid-June to clean up another lingering issue.

Middleton only appeared in 88 games over the last two seasons due to various injuries and had his minutes monitored throughout. After playing at least 29.9 minutes in each of his first nine seasons in Milwaukee, Middleton has only averaged 26 minutes per game since the 2022-23 campaign.

However, when the Bucks were without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo against the Pacers in the postseason, Middleton returned to All-Star form, averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 38.3 minutes per game in the series.

The Bucks recently added former Toronto Raptors sharpshooter Gary Trent Jr. to add depth in the backcourt alongside Middleton and Damian Lillard.