Khris Middleton could soon become a marquee name on the buyout market, but for the Golden State Warriors, that's a non-starter. Even with an open roster spot, the Warriors find themselves unable to pursue the veteran forward due to salary cap constraints.
The Warriors are above the first salary cap apron, which restricts them from signing a free agent from the buyout market who previously earned more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Middleton, with a hefty $33.3 million expiring contract, falls squarely into this category.
The buyout and free agency landscape has been relatively quiet since the trade deadline, influencing Golden State's decision to keep their 15th roster spot open after trading away Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
As the market clock ticks down, all eyes are on Middleton. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Middleton has the option to pursue a buyout and potentially join a playoff contender.
"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," Stein reported. Middleton has until March 1 to decide if he wants to join a playoff-bound team or remain with Dallas.
While Middleton may not be the same force he was during the Milwaukee Bucks' 2021 championship run-where he averaged 23.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals-he still has plenty to offer. If he orchestrates a buyout with the Mavericks, Middleton would immediately become a prime target in free agency.
After spending a year with the Washington Wizards before moving to Dallas in the Anthony Davis trade, he's shown he can still deliver. Just recently, he put up 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists on 11-of-15 shooting in a win over the Indiana Pacers.
For Golden State, Middleton remains out of reach until the offseason. Whether they'd consider adding another veteran with an injury history is uncertain, but there's no denying his potential impact in a limited market.
The Warriors were rumored to have interest in Lonzo Ball after the trade deadline, but that interest has since cooled, and the front office doesn't seem eager to pursue other available options.