Khris Middleton Declines Buyout, Stays With Dallas Mavericks

Merlin sees that Khris Middleton will finish the 2025-26 season with the Dallas Mavericks rather than pursue a buyout, according to Marc Stein. Several playoff teams, including the Denver Nuggets, had shown interest after Middleton was traded to Dallas Feb. 4, but the 34-year-old chose to stay. He has averaged 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists across 41 games this season and 13.9 points in seven outings with Dallas. Merlin senses the fit is more about mentorship than scoring punch. He returns to a familiar voice in coach Jason Kidd, who said "I've been talking to him a lot about how he can help Coop(er)," and Middleton can steady rookie Cooper Flagg while adding playoff poise to a 21-38 team trying to find direction.