Khris Middleton’s career is winding down. Now, the veteran has an upcoming decision whether to stay with the Dallas Mavericks or seek a new team via the buyout market. What teams could be interested in him, if he is on the open market?

Middleton has had quite the career as one of the top 3-and-D wings earlier in his career. The 34-year-old is a three-time all-star and a 2021 NBA champion. He has played for four teams in his career —Detroit, Milwaukee, Dallas, and Washington—and now apparently faces an upcoming decision: remain with the Mavericks or accept a buyout. The Mavericks are reportedly leaving the decision to him, per NBA Insider Marc Stein.

“Dallas has essentially left it up to newly acquired Khris Middleton to decide if he wants to stay with his new team for the rest of the season or seek a buyout,” league sources told Stein.

Khris Middleton has an upcoming decision: Stay with the Mavericks Or Accept Buyout To Try To Hook Up With Contender.

Middleton has until Sunday to make a decision. March 1 is the deadline for waiving players who are still eligible to play in the 2025-26 playoffs.

Middleton, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, has struggled for much of the season. However, the 6-7 wing has played much better since joining the Mavericks. The Mavericks acquired Middleton as part of the Anthony Davis three-team trade along with  Marvin Bagley, A.J. Johnson, a 2026 1st round draft pick, a 2026 2nd round draft pick, a 2027 2nd round draft pick, a 2029 2nd round draft pick, and a 2030 1st round draft pick.  They also received Tyus Jones from Charlotte in the deal. 

Middleton has been excellent thus far for Dallas. Through five games with Dallas, including three starts, Middleton averages 10.8 points and 1.2 threes on 49.0% shooting from the field and 35.3% from deep. He has scored in double-figures in three of his outings, including a season-high 25 against Indiana on Sunday, while also adding 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

Middleton was injured last night in Dallas’s 123-114 victory over Brooklyn. Middleton collided with the Nets’ Nic Claxton and went to the floor in the second quarter. After exiting the game, he was evaluated and returned to finish the first half, but didn’t play the second half due to a right shoulder stinger. He finished with six points and five rebounds along with a steal in 12 minutes of action.

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