Khris Middleton told Marc Stein of The Stein Line that he is still weighing his choices before Sunday’s deadline to secure a waiver and remain eligible to play in the postseason with another team.
According to Stein, Middleton is deciding whether to remain with the Mavericks for the rest of the season or negotiate a buyout with Dallas that would allow him to join a playoff contender.
League sources tell Stein that the Nuggets are among the teams interested in the 34-year-old.
Middleton told Stein he’s “grateful for the warm welcome he’s received in Dallas.”
As previously reported, the Mavericks have left the decision largely up to Middleton and his representatives and are comfortable keeping him through the season if he chooses to stay.
Bennett Durando of The Denver Post confirms that Denver is intrigued by Middleton and notes the Nuggets are seeking added wing size and ball-handling.
The team had also shown interest in Kyle Anderson before his expected move to Minnesota following a Memphis buyout.
Although injuries have limited Middleton in recent years and he’s no longer at his All-Star peak from 2019–22, he has been productive since joining Dallas in the Anthony Davis trade.
In 39 games this season, he has averaged 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 24.2 minutes per game while shooting .441/.336/.851.
If bought out, Middleton would be ineligible to sign with Cleveland, Golden State, or New York because teams above the tax apron cannot sign players waived during the season whose salaries exceeded the $14.1MM non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
The player’s $33.3MM expiring deal surpasses that limit.
A buyout would also cost Middleton his Bird rights, which could impact his earning potential this summer, even though a pay cut is expected either way.”
Nuggets Among Teams Interested In Mavs' Khris Middleton https://t.co/6IpdywoE8a pic.twitter.com/0V3go6g8pE
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 27, 2026
