Shortly after being acquired by the Mavericks at last month’s trade deadline, Khris Middleton’s immediate future in Dallas was uncertain.
With the Mavericks seemingly destined for the NBA draft lottery, the veteran sharpshooter had the chance to request a buyout before the league’s playoff eligibility waiver deadline. Players on rosters had to be waived on Sunday before 10:59 p.m. in order to be eligible to play in the postseason.
Middleton weighed the decision to stay or join a championship contender for the last few weeks, but ultimately decided to spend the rest of the regular season in a Mavericks uniform instead.
“It just gives me the best opportunity going into free agency,” Middleton said before Sunday’s lopsided 100-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Middleton is in the final months of his expiring contract and will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, which gives him the opportunity to negotiate a new contract with the Mavericks or sign with a new team.
“I got a solid role here to finish the season,” Middleton said. “Hopefully I can play well and enter free agency strong, whether that’s staying here or finding another option. My first couple of weeks here have been great so I didn’t think it was really necessary to try to go chase something that may not work out. I thought my safest bet was to stay put.”
The decision to remain in Dallas makes sense for Middleton, who has experience playing under Mavericks coach Jason Kidd and familiarity with Texas, dating to his three seasons at Texas A&M.
The Mavericks have relied on Middleton for his offense and veteran leadership over the last month and he hopes to use the final 22 games of the season to boost his value going into what he hopes is a lucrative summer.
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Middleton has averaged 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in eight games since he was traded by the Washington Wizards on Feb. 6. He’s started the last six games for the Mavericks, but struggled in Sunday’s game against the defending champions with four points on 2-of-10 shooting with five personal fouls.
Kidd lauded Middleton’s veteran leadership during his pregame news conference.
“He’s already had some impact with us, on and off the floor,” Kidd said. “For him to be able to stay, it’s great. We’ll try not to play him 40 minutes a night, but his ability as a vet to score and to lead is something that’s needed in that locker room so we’re happy he stayed.”
Middleton’s immediate future with the Mavericks is settled, but his long-term outlook with the teams remains a mystery. If he chooses to re-sign with the Mavericks, he would be a viable scoring option on a roster highlighted by Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, who missed his seventh straight game with a left midfoot sprain.
If healthy, the Mavericks have the makings of a roster that could return to the playoffs next season after a two-year postseason drought. Middleton said winning remains important, especially since he already has one title on his résumé.
“You never want to be in a losing situation in your career,” Middleton said. “We love the game. Being in there as much as I can is my goal and my dream.”
Middleton said being around the team played a factor in his decision to remain with the Mavericks, who remain extremely short-handed with several significant injuries.
“I wish so many guys weren’t hurt,” Middleton said.
The Mavericks had six players sidelined with injuries on Sunday, including Flagg, Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington. They lost another player to injury as Klay Thompson left the game in the second quarter with a right adductor contusion.
Caleb Martin, who played through low back soreness, led the Mavericks with 18 points on a night when Dallas produced a season-low 87 points. It was Martin’s highest point total since he was traded to the Mavericks last season. Brandon Williams added 14 points. Max Christie totaled 14 points and seven rebounds.
With another player down, expect Dallas to lean on that trio along with Middleton, who hopes to finish the year strong with the Mavericks.
On Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2
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