Khris Middleton’s trajectory shifted upward when Jason Kidd took over the sidelines in the Milwaukee Bucks and the two began working together. The Bucks acquired Middleton in 2013 following his first NBA season with the Detroit Pistons. A year later, Kidd stepped in as head coach, beginning a four season stint that coincided with Middleton’s rise.
Jason Kidd and Khris Middleton have crossed paths again after Middleton went from the Washington Wizards to the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline as part of a three team transaction that also featured the Charlotte Hornets.
Middleton may not be the All Star level talent he once was, but he still brings experience and can contribute steady minutes each night as a secondary creator and playmaker on the wing. He should offer Dallas meaningful depth, and he is expected to remain with the Mavericks despite speculation that a buyout could have allowed him to join a contender where his skill set might carry more weight.
“At some point, there could be a time when he does start. We want to look at him starting with Cooper and Tyus, so different combinations. That could happen as soon as Thursday or we can wait until after the break but we do want to play him,” the former Bucks head coach now leading the Mavericks remarked via The Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis.
Jason Kidd and Khris Middleton with the Bucks
Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd discuss a play with guard Khris Middleton (22) during a break in the action against the Toronto Raptors in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Kidd was on the sidelines for the Bucks when Middleton secured his first significant NBA payday, signing a five year, 70 million dollar contract on July 9, 2015. That agreement came just one year after Middleton made 915,000 dollars during the 2014-15 season.
Khris Middleton later earned All Star selections in 2019, 2020, and 2022. He also played a key part in Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run and, that same year, helped Team USA secure a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Middleton appears eager for the opportunity to share the floor with rookie forward Cooper Flagg and tap into the wide range of skills he brings to the team.
Nov 3, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd talks to a referee as forward Khris Middleton (22) looks on during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
With Kidd indicating that the Mavericks intend to start Middleton next to Cooper Flagg and fellow deadline addition Tyus Jones, one of PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, or Max Christie will likely shift to a bench role.
Injuries have disrupted Middleton’s career over the past few seasons. Even so, he put up 10.3 points in 24.3 minutes per game with the Wizards this year before they dealt him to the Mavericks.
The reunion between Jason Kidd and Khris Middleton in Dallas brings their relationship full circle, returning them to the sidelines together more than a decade after Kidd helped unlock Middleton’s potential in Milwaukee.