Khris Middleton said Friday that he "definitely" prefers a return to Milwaukee this summer as a restricted free agent, The Post and Courier reports.

Middleton said Friday that he "definitely" prefers a return to Milwaukee this summer as a restricted free agent, the Post and Courier reports.

Analysis:

Middleton was putting on his annual Skills Academy in his hometown of North Charleston, SC, so the comment may have been off the cuff. However, his humble nature and previous statements regarding his upcoming free agency point to a continued union with the Bucks next season. After a slow start to 2014-15, he exhibited more comfort under new coach Jason Kidd in the final 35 games of the season, averaging 16.7 points (on 47 percent shooting), 4.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 three-pointers in 35 minutes. Because the Bucks hold the power to match any offer presented to Middleton, the organization controls the narrative surrounding his landing spot this summer.