If Khris Middleton is to reunite with his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks, it will have to happen outside of the 2025-26 NBA season. That’s following the report that the veteran forward has decided not to seek a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks.
Via NBA insider Marc Stein:
Khris Middleton intends to finish the season with the Mavericks, sources close to the process tell @TheSteinLine. Middleton told me earlier this week that he would keep his options open into the weekend ahead of Sunday’s buyout deadline to be playoff-eligible with a new team.
Ex-Bucks star Middleton to finish the 2025-26 NBA season with the Mavericks
The 34-year-old Middelton was acquired by the Mavs before the 2026 NBA trade deadline in February, when the Washington Wizards sent him to Dallas via a transaction that also involved the Charlotte Hornets.
The San Antonio Spurs and the Denver Nuggets were among those linked to Middleton in case of a buyout, but that ultimately did not materialize. It is also possible that Middleton will sign a contract with the Mavericks in the offseason instead of going somewhere else. The former Texas A&M Aggies star still has his bird rights, but he would have lost that right if he were bought out by Dallas to become a free agent.
Still, nostalgia and familiarity with the Bucks are at least two factors he can consider in the offseason to return to Milwaukee.
In any case, Middleton will spend the rest of this season in a Mavs uniform.
In his first seven games with Dallas, Middleton has averaged 13.9 points on a 48.5 percent shooting from the floor, 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
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
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