Khris Middleton is staying put. Despite a flurry of rumors and the impending buyout deadline, the veteran forward intends to finish the season with the Dallas Mavericks.
The 34-year-old had a chance to move to a contender before Sunday's deadline to be eligible for the playoffs with a new team. The Denver Nuggets were reportedly leading the field of interested suitors, but Middleton has decided to stick it out in North Texas. Sources indicate he has settled in quickly since arriving in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade earlier this season.
It's been a rough ride for Dallas lately. The Mavericks are currently 21-38, far from the playoff picture in the loaded Western Conference. The team is coming off a disappointing 124-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday, where the offense struggled to find any consistent rhythm.
Middleton has been a steadfast force amid the chaos. In the team's recent 130-121 loss to the Sacramento Kings, the former Milwaukee Bucks All-Star put up 17 points and five rebounds in 33 minutes. He also showed glimpses of his championship pedigree during February. 22nd win over the Indiana Pacers, scoring 25 points on efficient 11-of-15 shooting.
Retaining Middleton is an important move for a Mavericks front office looking to retain some veteran leadership around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. While the postseason is likely out of reach this year, Middleton's presence provides a professional blueprint for a young roster that is still searching for its identity.
The Mavericks return to action on Sunday to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. This will be a huge test for a Dallas team that wants to overcome a two-game slump and prove they can compete with the elite of the West.
