Bucks general manager Jon Horst said trading franchise cornerstone Khris Middleton after 12 seasons in Milwaukee was "the hardest transaction" he has made as an executive, but did so to "maximize the window" for a championship.

GM Jon Horst explained why his deadline moves, especially parting with a franchise staple, give Milwaukee a better chance to win a title.

The Milwaukee Bucks community expected to end this week wrestling with the the end of Khris Middleton’s time in cream and green. In the weeks preceding the trade deadline, Middleton was transitioned to a bench role where he showed some promise before the wheels fell off again last week in a pair of scoreless performances.

Here is a transcript of his question and answer session, which has been edited down for clarity and to include to only his comments on the trades.Get daily updates on the Packers during the season.