NBA Buyout Deadline: Mavs’ bold decision leaves Khris Middleton’s future in limbo

The Dallas Mavericks have reached a pivotal crossroads with their veteran forward Khris Middleton, and have opted for a hands-off approach that places the three-time All-Star’s future squarely in his own hands.

According to The Stein Line, the Mavericks front office has informed Middleton that the choice to remain in Dallas or negotiate a contract buyout is entirely his. With the March 1 NBA buyout deadline rapidly approaching, Middleton must decide within days whether to finish the 2025-26 season with a rebuilding Dallas squad or seek a roster spot on a championship contender.Standing at 6'7", Middleton won the 2021 NBA championship with Bucks and then was sent to Wizards in 2024.

In a recent blockbuster trade earlier this month, he arrived at Dallas in exchange for Anthony Davis, who now dons the iconic #23 jersey at Washington.

Mavs front office wants Khris Middleton to decide his future at Dallas

Khris Middleton is currently in the final year of his 3-year, $93 million contract. After exercising his player option , Middleton is set to earn a salary of $33.3 million for the 2025-26 season. This decision was a way to secure a fixed salary for this season amidst injury concerns.

But Middleton’s arrival at Dallas was Mavs salary match move, and was assumed to be followed with a buyout agreement, but the 34-year-old has made no such request and has appeared in 4 of Mavs’ games. In Mavs recent 134-130 win against the Indiana Pacers, Middleton logged in 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, while converting 11-of-15 from the field.

With this performance, Middleton has sparked a new internal debate about his future.

The management have rested the final decision in his hands, and if he chooses a buyout, he would likely surrender a portion of that remaining salary to enter unrestricted free agency. This buyout for the Mavericks would further support their youth-led rebuild centered around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.

Khris Middleton’s potential market value

As per the reports, Khris Middleton must be waived by March 1, 2026, to remain eligible for the 2026 NBA Playoffs with another team. If he decides to enter the buyout market, teams like the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers are rumored to have shown an interest. Despite Middleton's average dip to 10.9 points per game, his 38.5% career three-point average and championship pedigree makes him an ideal depth piece.

Middleton must weigh the benefit of a stable future in Dallas against the immediate lure of a playoff run. As the clock ticks down, the league awaits a decision that could shift the power balance in the upcoming postseason.