Watch also Milwaukee, Tribute to Chris Middleton

Chris Middleton has been through the Fiserv Forum tunnels hundreds of times, but never like this. On Wednesday night, longtime Milwaukee Bucks the forward is back in the city where he became an All-Star, this time in a Washington Wizards uniform.

From the moment he stepped onto the field, it was night filled with gratitude and emotions. The sold-out crowd gave Middleton gets a standing ovation during the introductionagain during a minute-long video, and another time when he left the game after scoring 23 points in Washington’s 133-120 loss. Triple The All-Star acknowledged the cheer by raising his hands and putting his hand on his heart.

Khris Middleton gets a standing ovation from Bucks fans during Wizards introduction 🔊

(via @brevcitipaul)pic.twitter.com/VV47NTKE0z https://t.co/7t5DltpVVR

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 23, 2025

“It’s every player’s dream, to get a standing ovation no matter where they are,” Middleton said. “To receive that kind of recognition and appreciation from the city and the organization meant the world to me.”

Middleton spent 12 seasons in Milwaukee, helping transform the Bucks from a struggling franchise to a champion. Acquired in a trade with Detroit in 2013, he became a cornerstone next to him Giannis Antetokounmpo. Together, they led the Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years during the 2021 season.

Khris Middleton will forever be associated with the Bucks

Middleton is second in games played for the franchise with 735, third in points with 12,586 points and first in three-pointers with 1,382. He also made three All-Star teams and played a vital role in Milwaukee’s title run, averaging 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists during that postseason.

“I can’t explain how much Chris means to this team or to me,” Antetokounmpo said earlier this week. “That’s my brother for life.”

The Bucks traded Middleton and a 2024 first-round pick to Washington for Kyle Kuzma in February. While the move marked the end of an era, Milwaukee made sure to celebrate Middleton’s legacy. Coach Doc Rivers called Middleton a “buck for life” and said he encouraged the team’s video staff to create a “phenomenal” tribute.

When the video ended and the crowd roared, Middleton smiled and waved, soaking in the moment.

“You dream of hearing that kind of love,” he said. “I finally got that moment.”