"According to sources, the Bucks and Celtics are still exploring a potential deal that would send Khris 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 Khris 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."
Source: http://hoopshype.com/storyline/khris-middleton-trade/
If you get Middleton without giving up #3, that would be incredible. I don't totally get the logic leap, though. Just a couple days ago we were rumored to be offering #3 for Middleton (which would be a good deal for us) and the Bucks were turning us down.
Throwing this one in the "posturing"/"fake rumor" bin.
To be fair, it'll land in the bin right next to that 3-for-Middleton swap.
None of this stuff can be taken as truth until it's officially announced.
#3 for Middleton at least made logical sense. He's a terrific player and likely better than anything available there. He plays defense and is an outstanding shooter.
If you figure the price for Jimmy Butler is #3 + Bradley + Smart + Crowder, I'd far FAAAAR rather trade #3 straight up for Middleton. At worst, Middleton gives you 75% of what Butler gives you, but with better shooting. At best, he ends up better than Butler.
But hey, if you can get Middleton for late 1sts, you obviously have to do it. And you know... maybe you can flip Middleton + additional assets to Chicago for Jimmy BUtler or something and keep the #3 pick for another deal.
It's nice to dream. I feel we're setting ourselves up for a big disappointment, though.