Getty
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 29: Khris Middleton #22 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks decided to trade Anthony Davis away less than a year after bringing him in. It was a decision that showed they made a massive mistake when they traded Luka Doncic for him. While they traded Davis to the Washington Wizards, they received Khris Middleton as part of the return package.
Middleton does not fit the current timeline of the Mavericks. They are building their future around rookie Cooper Flagg. Middleton is in his mid-30s, so he doesn’t fit what the team is trying to build. Yet, he has been playing hard for the Mavs since he arrived.
Dallas is now reportedly giving Middleton the option to decide the future of his career.
GettyDallas Mavericks forward Khris Middleton reaches for the ball. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Mavericks Allowing Khris Middleton to Make Buyout Decision
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavs are allowing Middleton to make his own buyout decision. The deadline for buyouts is March 1, so he has to make that call by then. If Middleton wants to stay in Dallas, they will happily keep him, as well.
Middleton is on an expiring contract, so he will be a free agent at the end of the season. He can decide to try to sign a deal with a contender for the rest of the season, or he can give some leadership to the Mavericks. Middleton will likely see more playing time in Dallas.
At this point in his career, Middleton is a veteran player who is used better off the bench. He is more of a locker room presence than he is an All-Star player. Still, that kind of player could be useful to Dallas next season as they try to build a contender.
For the rest of the season, Middleton could be a starter for the Mavericks if he decides to stay. That would be the best chance for playing time. Next season, he is unlikely to find a team that will put him in a starting role.
GettyDallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg shoots the ball. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Mavericks Will Continue Tanking This Season
Dallas has a priority to get the highest draft pick they possibly can. The Mavericks have the fourth-worst record in the Western Conference, so they have their eyes on a top-ten pick. It’s highly unlikely they will get the same lottery luck they had a year ago, though.
Even so, the Mavericks have encouraging things to look forward to. Kyrie Irving will sit out this season so he’s fully ready to go next year. Pairing him with Flagg gives Flagg a true point guard to play with and learn from. Adding a top-ten pick would certainly help accelerate their rebuild.
As the franchise tries to move past the Doncic calamity, they need guys who can play stable minutes for them. Perhaps Middleton decides that should be his role for the rest of the season and into next year as his career winds down to a close.