The Dallas Mavericks have deferred to Khris Middleton on whether he will remain with the team or pursue a buyout this season, sources reported via Marc Stein. Middleton can still join a playoff contender if waived by March 1, but the 34-year-old could also opt to stay in Dallas.
He is under an expiring three-year, $93 million contract, giving Dallas financial flexibility for future moves.
Dallas reshaped its roster at the February 5 trade deadline, sending Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards. In return, the Mavericks acquired Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, and five draft picks, including a 2026 first-round selection from Oklahoma City.
Shortly after, the team traded Malaki Branham to the Charlotte Hornets for Tyus Jones, adding a veteran point guard with playoff experience. These moves signaled Dallas’s intent to build around young talent, especially 19-year-old Cooper Flagg, who leads the Mavericks with 20.4 points per game.
Middleton’s presence addresses the Mavericks’ need for shooting and scoring. Dallas has struggled in the Western Conference, posting a 19-36 record and sitting 12th, with a 10-game losing streak in its last 10 matchups.
Other key contributors include Naji Marshall (15.1 PPG), P.J. Washington (14.3 PPG), and Max Christie (13.3 PPG). Klay Thompson provides veteran scoring depth at 11.5 points per game, while Daniel Gafford anchors the paint with 8.0 rebounds per contest.
The team now has flexibility under the salary cap and trade exceptions, allowing it to explore additional roster improvements this offseason. Middleton’s decision could shape the Mavericks’ strategy for the remainder of 2025-26 and next season.
