Wizards forward Khris Middleton is staying in Washington. On Monday, the 33-year-old opted into a $33.3 million player option for the upcoming season, according to multiple reports.
Washington added Middleton, a three-time All-Star, through a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks last season. The deal sent forward Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee, while the Wizards added Middleton and rookie guard A.J. Johnson.
Middleton scored an average of 10.7 points in 14 games with the Wizards last season.
A lingering right knee contusion caused the former champion to miss several games near the end of the campaign. A pair of offseason ankle surgeries delayed his season debut for the Bucks last fall.
After accepting his option, Middleton is slated to become a free agent after next season.
Analysts had long expected the Wizards to flip Middleton to a contending team as the rebuilding franchise loaded up on draft picks. His hefty salary and injury issues have complicated that plan.
The Wizards continue their rebuild at this week’s draft, which begins on Wednesday.