標籤: buyout

Khris Middleton found himself freshman in a different area code when he was part of a three-team deal at the trade deadline that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks.

Middleton played only 48 games for the Washington Wizards before being sent to the Mavericks. Adding offensive firepower and experienced leadership, he has been a solid contribution for Dallas.

But according to NBA insider Marc Stein, the 34-year-old forward could find himself on a different team again in the next few days.

“Chris Middleton just told @TheSteinLine “He is still considering his options before Sunday’s deadline to buy out a contract, and is deciding whether to finish out the season in Dallas or join a playoff team,” Steen wrote on Axe.

“League sources say Denver (Nuggets) and other playoff teams have expressed interest.”

with the way things are goingMavericks probably will not Qualify for the playoffs with a 21–37 record. They lost to the Sacramento Kings 130-121 on Thursday.

Steen said Dallas would be willing to agree to terms with the three-time All-Star, who won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, if he wanted a buyout.

“Middleton stressed he’s grateful for the warm welcome he’s received in Dallas, where the Mavericks — as @TheSteinLine first reported — have told the former All-Star they’ll work with him if he wants a buyout before Sunday’s deadline to be playoff-eligible for the new next team,” Stein said.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised Middleton’s importance to the team, including helping Cooper flag his game and setting an example of professionalism.

Middleton had 17 points, five rebounds and four assists against the Kings. He has scored in double figures in three of six games since joining Dallas.

As the buyout season approaches, Khris Middleton’s future is one that is being monitored heavily around the league. Middleton, an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks and a smooth-shooting wing, could emerge as one of the biggest buyout candidates on the market if he chooses to pursue a buyout.

Middleton was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in the deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards at the NBA trade deadline. Since the trade, Middleton has suited up for the Mavericks, playing in four games, and even had a 25-point outing for the Mavericks on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers. But his name is still being discussed as a buyout candidate.

“Is there any chance we can convince Khris Middleton to buy?”.@TheSteinLine I wonder if the Pistons could be a landing spot for the Mavericks small forward @talkhoops

Listen to Deals & Dunks weekdays at 1-2PM ET https://t.co/uGOfTU9PUj pic.twitter.com/kARlVfi6xS

– SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) 24 February 2026

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks have allowed Middleton to control his own destiny, determining whether he wants to stay with the team for the remainder of the season or seek a buyout to join a contender. This has led Steen to openly consider whether Middleton could be a candidate to join the surging Pistons, who are on top of the Eastern Conference.

“I have to think. There are a handful of contending, playoff-bound teams, and I have to think the Pistons are among them. Wondering, is there a chance we can convince Khris Middleton for a buyout? What I reported last night was basically the Mavericks putting the ball in Khris Middleton’s court. If Khris Middleton wants a buyout to join a playoff-bound team, Dallas Will gladly cooperate.”

The Pistons would be an interesting landing spot for Middleton. Only a few years ago, he was the number two option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks and often found himself taking clutch shots in close game situations. But due to injuries as well as his contract, the Bucks “expired” his time with the organization by trading him to the Wizards in a deal that also included Kyle Kuzma.

Khris Middleton is still proving to be an effective player, averaging 14 points per game and 35% from three in 5 games played with the Mavericks. With the Wizards, his numbers were more modest during the 34 games he played with the team, as he averaged $10.3 points per game and shot 33% from the field. Perhaps a reunion with the Pistons could bode well for Middleton. He was drafted in the second round with the 39th pick by the Pistons in 2012 and was eventually traded to the Bucks in 2013.

The Pistons have emerged as a contender, adopting their old-school physicality and rapid development as players like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren have emerged as young stars in the league; However, the team lacks consistent shooting on volume. In Monday’s loss to San Antonio, the Pistons made only 7 of their 36 three-point attempts, while the Spurs made 18. Middleton could provide a nice spark in playmaking and shooting for the Pistons as they look to further seize control of the Eastern Conference and make a run at the NBA Finals.

The Pistons will play the Thunder tonight at 7:30 Eastern. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

As soon as the Sacramento Kings lost Zach LaVine to a season-ending injury, some even considered him a player to move forward between now and the end of the offseason. The Kings likely won’t reach a deal with LaVine, who had a tendon repair in his right pinky.

Per ClutchScoops’ Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, LaVine could help mentor the young Kings during the final year of his contract.

“To be honest, unless the Kings are willing to take on contracts they don’t want, which they’ve indicated isn’t going to happen, they want to pursue clean books,” Siegel said. “I don’t see any option other than to try to buy him out, maybe in the off-season, or just waive him and pay him $49 million.

“If you’re the Kings, why would you do that? If you’re going to pay him $49 million anyway, you might as well add him as a featured star on your roster to mentor some of these young guys.”

In the final season of LaVine’s five-year, $215.1 million deal for the next one, there is a player option worth $48.9 million.

Zach LaVine undergoes season-ending surgery

After the Kings announced Domantas Sabonis would have season-ending knee surgery, Zach LaVine suffered a similar situation during his hand surgery. Sabonis went under the knife to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, as both his and LaVine’s regular seasons ended abruptly.

The Kings, who enter the All-Star break with a 12-44 record, are in last place in the Western Conference standings and have the fewest wins in the NBA.