With Cooper Flagg making rapid progress, it wasn't too surprising that the Dallas Mavericks decided to part ways with Anthony Davis, as the team felt it could build around the rookie forward instead.
Davis played only 29 games in his brief and injury-filled tenure with the Mavericks. He was traded to the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal that also included the Charlotte Hornets. In return, Dallas received Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson and several draft picks.
Upon joining the Mavericks, Middleton was reunited with coach Jason Kidd. Kidd managed Middleton when he called the shots for the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2018, developing a strong bond.
When Kidd was asked about coaching Middleton again, he had a very funny answer, as shown in a video posted by Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban.
"Awesome," Kidd joked.
However, he turned serious and discussed the importance of 34-year-old Middleton to the team.
"Playing through him, he's a vet. I've been with him at the beginning of his journey. He's a champion, he's professional, comes to work, does his job and understands that he can help us not just with his play, but with his voice," said Kidd, who went 139-152 with the Bucks.
"I've been talking to him a lot about how he can help Coop. He feels like he can't help Coop. Coop has already passed him. He has a good sense of humor (about it). But given his knowledge and understanding of the game, it's been great to work with Khris."
Jason Kidd on working with Khris Middleton again:
"Awful. Playing through him, he's a vet. I've been with him at the beginning of his journey... He's a champion, he's a professional... I've been talking to him a lot about how he can help Coop. He feels like he can't help Coop, Coop has already passed... pic.twitter.com/iizozXoYmj
- Noah Weber (@noahweber00) 27 February 2026
Middleton is still adjusting to his role, though, as he poured in 25 points in their win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, helping the Mavericks end a 10-game losing streak.
His familiarity with Kidd should serve him well throughout the season.
