Per Wizards reporter Joshua Robbins at The Athletic, Milwaukee Bucks champion Khris Middleton is a good bet to be bought out post-deadline, making him available to the rest of the league as a free agent.
Writes Robbins via NBACentral on twitter:
“Middleton, 34, has shown some signs of life lately, but no longer looks like a potential difference-maker for a contending team. The majority of league sources whom The Athletic spoke with said they think Middleton’s most likely outcome is to remain with the Wizards through the deadline and be a buyout candidate.”
Reunion in Milwaukee? Late-season add elsewhere? What does the second half hold for what could be the final act of a franchise legend’s career?
Even granting Robbins’ analysis, it’s no guarantee that Middleton doesn’t end up somewhere competitive. While his decline in production and huge salary make him an unappealing trade target, he could nonetheless join a contender with an open roster spot as a veteran presence for the stretch run entering the playoffs.
Middleton to Milwaukee? Buyout would mean anything is possible
Middleton’s legs are gone defensively, but he hasn’t been a complete zero for a Wizards team not overly concerned with winning. More than that, he has been valuable as a mentor on a young roster and a bucket-getter in crunch time. Bucks fans won’t forget his stepback dagger in a 129-126 loss on New Year’s Eve.
Dec 31, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (22) backs down Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Overall, Middleton is averaging 9.8 points per game, four rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 42.9/32.5/82.5 splits. He has appeared in 29 games and started all of them. In the final season of the three-year, $93 million deal he signed in Milwaukee, he will be a free agent at season’s end whether or not he and the Wizards reach a buyout agreement. Whether Middleton continues playing or, after 14 NBA seasons and over 13,000 points scored, decides to hang it up is anyone’s guess.
As a post-buyout Bucks addition, he fits better in theory than in practice. Milwaukee needs an energetic playmaker who can hold his own on the defensive end, characteristics that describe Middleton’s prime, not who he is in his twilight.
On a minimum salary he could, though, serve a purpose at the backend of the rotation, uplifting spirits while mostly logging DNPs and garbage time minutes. The Bucks could use an old friend back in town, and a roster spot could be harmlessly cleared by for instance cutting Amir Coffey, who hasn’t factored into the rotation for months.
Oct 22, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (22) former teammates talk to each other after their game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
If Milwaukee wants to make other moves, they’ll have to do so by the February 5 deadline. On the Khris Middleton front, fans will wait and see what, if anything happens once the cutoff date has passed.
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