Former Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton is not going anywhere else.
As recently reported, the Texas A&M Aggies product will be spending the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks after electing not to seek a buyout.
It was a move that Dallas head coach Jason Kidd appreciates.
Via Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban:
Jason Kidd on Khris Middleton finishing the season in Dallas rather than pursuing a buyout:
“Looking at Khris as a vet, he’s already had some impact with us, on and off the floor. For him to be able to stay, it was great. We’ll try not to play him 40 minutes a night, but I think his ability as a vet to score and to lead is something that’s needed in that locker room, so we’re happy he’s staying.”
Ex-Bucks star Middleton is staying put with Dallas
Middleton found his way to Dallas after the Washington Wizards decided to trade him to the Mavs via a three-team transaction that also featured the Charlotte Hornets in early February, just before the NBA trade deadline.
A buyout would have allowed the 34-year-old Middleton to join a team with a much better team to win an NBA title this season than the Mavericks, who only have 21 wins to show through Monday.
The Denver Nuggets and other playoff-contending teams were reportedly interested in signing Middleton in case of a buyout, but that’s clearly no longer part of the picture, as the buyout deadline for players to be waived had already lapsed on March 1.
It is also important to note that Middleton still has his bird rights, which he would have lost if he had been bought out. By staying in Dallas, Middleton gets to keep his bird rights, while Dallas can pull off a sign-and-trade in the offseason in order to squeeze some capital from a team willing to trade for the veteran.
Feb 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Khris Middleton (20) holds the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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