New NBA Rumors Reveal Khris Middleton's Future with Mavs amid Contract Buyout Buzz

Dallas Mavericks wing Khris Middleton plans to close out the 2025-26 season with the team instead of pursuing a contract buyout, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Middleton previously told Stein that he was weighing his options ahead of Sunday's buyout deadline.

The Denver Nuggets were among multiple playoff teams to show interest in the veteran as a potential free agent, per Stein. There was pessimism that Middleton could be lured away from Dallas leading up to Saturday's decision, though.

Middleton opened his 2025-26 campaign with the Washington Wizards, but was traded to the Mavericks as part of the swap that sent Anthony Davis to Washington on Feb. 4.

The 34-year-old is now with a familiar face in Dallas, as head coach Jason Kidd previously coached him on the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014-18.

While Middleton's All-Star days may be behind him, Kidd revealed that he's talked with him about taking on a mentorship role with Mavericks standout rookie Cooper Flagg.

"I've been talking to him a lot about how he can help Coop(er)," Kidd said, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. "He feels like he can't help Coop(er) (because) Cooper has already passed him. He's got a good sense of humor. Just looking at his knowledge and his understanding of the game, it's been great working with Khris."

Middleton has averaged 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 24.3 minutes per game across 41 combined appearances with the Mavericks and Wizards this season. He's shooting 44.3 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from behind the arc.

In seven contests with Dallas, Middleton is averaging 13.9 points per game on 48.5/36.4/89.3 shooting splits.

While his scoring ability and championship experience made him an enticing option for contenders as a potential buyout option, he'll end the season with the Mavericks and help them build upon their 21-38 record instead.