Veteran small forward Khris Middleton tells Marc Stein of The Stein Line he’s still evaluating his options ahead of Sunday’s deadline to be waived by one team and remain eligible to appear in the postseason for another club (Twitter links).
According to Stein, Middleton’s is considering whether he wants to stay with the Mavericks for the rest of the season or reach a buyout agreement with Dallas in order to sign with a playoff team. The Nuggets are among the teams with interest in the 34-year-old, league sources tell Stein.
Middleton stressed to Stein that he’s “grateful for the warm welcome he’s received in Dallas.” As Stein reported on Tuesday, the Mavs have essentially left the buyout decision up to Middleton and his camp and would happily retain him for the remainder of the season if he opts to go that route.
Bennett Durando of The Denver Post confirms (via Twitter) that the Nuggets are intrigued by Middleton, adding that Denver also showed interest in Kyle Anderson, who will sign with the Timberwolves after a buyout with Memphis. The Nuggets are searching for size on the wing and ball-handling, Durando reports.
Middleton, who has dealt with injuries in recent years, is no longer the same player who earned All-Star berths three times in four years from 2019-22, but he has performed pretty well since he arrived in Dallas in the Anthony Davis trade. In 39 total games this season, Middleton has averaged 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 24.2 minutes per contest, with a shooting line of .441/.336/.851.
In the event of a buyout, Middleton would be ineligible to sign with Cleveland, Golden State, or New York, since clubs operating over either tax apron aren’t permitted to sign a player waived during the season who had been earning more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14.1MM). Middleton’s $33.3MM expiring salary far exceeds that figure.
It’s also worth noting that Middleton would forfeit his Bird rights if he agrees to a buyout. While he’ll certainly have to take a pay cut this summer either way, retaining those Bird rights would likely put him in a better position to avoid settling for the veteran’s minimum or something close to it.
Nuggets already whiffed. I said trade for him but nope. These GM’s, fans, coaches, etc etc etc are all clueless
I usually wouldn’t say this but in Middletown’s case, I’d stay. His stock still isn’t too high going into free agency. He has a decent role with the Mavs. They definitely won’t overplay him now that they will probably tank. He risks injury and/or a diminished role with a playoff team while gaining virtually the same payoff in free agency unless he goes nuclear in the playoffs (I don’t think even Middletown believes in himself that much). Like I said, I’m usually against the noncompetive rout but Middletown is a weird case.
Depends what he wants . He’s made over 300mil in his career . He risks injury yes but he might not have many healthy shots left to go for another chip if he cares about that.
Denver is a good place. Get that ring …..
Give me the chance at another ring if I was him.
He might as well ring chase because I don’t think he has too many years left.
If chasing a ring is what he wants, then how about going back to the PISTONS.
It’s a legit shot. It’ll be a full-circle moment, to boot.
In all likelihood, there is no one still associated with the Pistons who even remembers his very brief stay there as a rookie, so I’m not sure how much it would be a “full circle moment” for anyone, including Middleton.
I’ve seen a report that says the Pistons are interested in Middleton so it can happen
I guess anything is possible, but I look at their lineup and it’s hard to find minutes for a guy like Middleton. Are you going to take minutes from Levert or Holland to give to Middleton? Not clear to me how that improves the Pistons unless they just want a guy on the roster who already has the experience of winning a championship.
PISTONS need vets, that’s it.
Pistons fans hate Levert and Holland has disappointed this year. The fit is fine
There too. He can fit there. Interesting
Pistons are only the 5-6th best team. Nuggets are better. Pistons barely beat an OKC’s d-league squad.
That’s the right, but the PISTONS are still in the lesser East …… has been the “easier path” compared to the always-loaded West.
He can help either team. And Pistons have same record as Thunder ???? almost 😳
KM ain’t washed, not yet.
He’s no Lowry, Eric Gordon, DJ, Uncle Jeff …. he can actually play meaningful minutes for any contender.
He just should enjoy scoring again and play well in Dallas. Having better games and regaining level. Going to Den doesn’t assure him none playing time. Get another contract for next year, plus, he’s still young to ring chase. He can ring chase at 37-38. No need to rush now, and, if he doesn’t play in the playoffs, he would be less positioned to get another contract. Stay there, score, get in rhythm and that will bode him better to keep playing
What he will be out the league in two years. There is ring chasing and playing on a contender. He has made 300 million. Won’t get more than 8 next year. Everything in life is not about money. Money does not make you happy and the root of all kinds of evil. People who are blessed and centered have money 2nd when you are living in a calling. So when people say make 400 million and never win a championship or make 150 million and win multiple and choose the money over a successful career. It mean there prioritys are not right. You play basketball to win. Anything else means you’re priorities are not straight. If you follow your passion and your desire and anything like money will always come from it. The moment you make money your number one option, the little moment you’re out of line.
I’m talking about Middleton. I don’t care having a discussion about life values.
I still think he can make more money and especially have more fun playing more minutes and getting more shots and scoring and playing more in Dallas, than having a possibly DNP-CD role in Denver, or a secondary role.
It’s not that important to win a championship or not, especially, feeling obsessed to win one. Play and have fun.
Having fun is more important than money. Or being obsessed to win a ring. You didn’t get the memo, of what I was talking about
Not just ring chasing for him. He adds size and scoring. A vet who has been there. So can give good mins. Excellent addition to bench for a playoff run. On any contender. Like you said he’s made the money. Another run at a ring gives him swagger and props. And brings its monetary rewards also. Nuggets or Pistons are good places.
khris would be great for the nugs. even if he gets just 18-20 mins a night.
Spurs could really use him if one of champagne, Vassell, Barnes get hurt