Khris Middleton Holds Keys to Mavericks Future

Merlin sees Dallas handing veteran Khris Middleton the choice to "decide if he wants to stay with his new team for the rest of the season or seek a buyout." With the Mavs 20-36 and out of title contention, a buyout would free Middleton to join a contender. Dallas has told him it "will certainly still have a need for shooting next season," and he recently led the club with 25 points in a win. Merlin notes the tug of war inside a veteran's heart. Middleton can chase a shot at a second ring now or stay as a steady voice for rookie Cooper Flagg and Dallas’s rebuild. Teams hunting perimeter scoring will watch closely, and Middleton’s choice could reshape several playoff benches.