Khris Middleton had the opportunity to leave the Dallas Mavericks and chase another championship, but he chose to stay put. Opting not to pursue a buyout before the NBA's deadline, Middleton remained with the Mavericks, forgoing the chance to join a contender as a free agent. As the season winds down, it seems Middleton is considering a longer stay in Dallas.
"I love the city of Dallas, I've been here before," Middleton expressed, hinting at a future with the Mavericks. "I like where things are headed here. I like the way they’re trying to do things here, so we’ll see what happens."
It wasn't an easy decision. At 34, with a championship ring from his time in Milwaukee, Middleton was indeed a buyout candidate.
However, the Mavericks hold his full Bird Rights, allowing them to offer him a more lucrative deal than any other team. This financial leverage made leaving for a short-term playoff run less appealing.
The Mavericks supported Middleton's decision-making process. "That’s great," said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.
"Khris has had an impact both on and off the floor. His leadership and scoring ability are invaluable, and we’re happy he stayed."
Middleton's commitment goes beyond his comfort with the city. His decision comes at a pivotal time for the Mavericks, who are in the midst of a general manager search and looking to redefine their future around young talent like Cooper Flagg.
Teammate Naji Marshall praised Middleton's influence, saying, "He’s a vet. He spaces the floor, makes the game easier, and is an all-around good teammate."
In the seven games before the buyout deadline, Middleton averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, shooting 48.5% from the field. His standout performance came against Memphis, where he scored 22 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Mavericks to a 120-112 victory.
"Probably after the second or third three, I felt like I was in a pretty good rhythm," Middleton recalled. "When you’re a shooter, and you get a couple to go down, you keep firing."
Coach Kidd highlighted the importance of Middleton's performance for the younger players. "He didn’t waste any steps tonight. It was a really nice thing to watch."
Middleton, however, remains humble about his role. "If I’m out here, that means I can still play. I’m always ready for whatever role a team wants me to play."
Looking ahead, Middleton's contract situation is intriguing. His current deal, which pays him $34 million annually, expires at the end of the season. The Mavericks can offer him more than other teams due to his Bird Rights, and a sign-and-trade remains a possibility.
The decision to pursue Middleton will be crucial for Dallas as they navigate a busy offseason. The new general manager will need to consider Middleton’s age, health, and fit alongside the team’s future plans.
Middleton has made his intentions clear. Now, the Mavericks must decide their next move.