NBA Rumors: Khris Middleton's Decision Following Interest from the Denver Nuggets

Dallas Mavericks small forward, Khris Middleton, has decided to complete the 2025-26 season with the Texan franchise and not seek contract buyout as reported by specialized journalist Marc Stein.

Middleton himself had previously told Stein that he was considering his options before the deadline for buyouts last Sunday. He will ultimately choose to stay in Dallas.

According to the same source, several playoff-contending teams showed interest in signing him as a free agent if he became available, including the Denver Nuggets. However, there was skepticism before the decision about the real chance of him leaving the Mavericks.

Middleton started the 2025-26 season with the Washington Wizards but was traded to Dallas on February 4 as part of the deal that sent Anthony Davis to the U.S. capital.

Reunion with Jason Kidd

At 34 years old, the veteran forward has reunited in Dallas with a coach he knows well: Jason Kidd, who previously coached him at the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2018. Although his All-Star days seem to be behind him, Kidd has revealed that he has had talks with Middleton for him to take on a mentor role for promising rookie Cooper Flagg.

"I'm talking a lot to him about how he can help Coop(er)," Kidd explained to Christian Clark from The Athletic. "He jokes that he can't help him because Cooper has already surpassed him. He has a great sense of humor. His knowledge and understanding of the game make it fantastic to work with Khris."

Throughout the season, combining his time in Washington and Dallas, Middleton has averaged 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 24.3 minutes per game over 41 matches. His shooting percentages are 44.3% from the field and 33.9% from three-point range. In the seven games played with the Mavericks, his numbers have improved to 13.9 points per night with shooting percentages of 48.5% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc, and 89.3% from the free-throw line.

His scoring ability and championship experience made him an attractive piece for title contenders in the free-agent market. However, Middleton will finish the season in Dallas and will seek to contribute to the improvement of a team that holds a record of 21 wins and 38 losses.