His contributions will never be forgotten by Bucks fans. However, ClutchPoints' NBA insider Brett Siegel revealed on Friday that his superstar teammate influenced the trade. Siegel reports that Antetokounmpo was open to trading Middleton. However, he didn't think the Bucks would make the move this season.

According to Siegel’s report, Antetokounmpo approved of the Middleton-Kuzma trade, but sources suggest it was not a move he expected the team to actually make. The two-time MVP shared a close relationship with Middleton, whom many around the NBA described as “family” to Giannis. That personal connection played a significant role in his reaction.

The Milwaukee Bucks announced earlier today that they’ve agreed to a multi-year contract extension with general manager Jon Horst. The deal, negotiated this week between the Bucks and Horst’s agent Brian Elfus, keeps the 2021 NBA championship executive in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.