Khris Middleton Reveals Whether He Wants to Stay on the Mavericks

Veteran buyout candidates can usually choose where they end up. After being bought out, players don’t have to worry about cap space or contract negotiations in the same way, and can join whatever team they think fits them best. 

For Khris Middleton, this meant joining the Dallas Mavericks. Some may have assumed that Middleton would try to join a contending team. Instead, he joined his old coach, Jason Kidd, in Dallas and is now mentoring the young, tanking Mavericks. 

Middleton could leave next season and try to join a contending team. He spoke recently about his plans for next season. 

“For sure. I love the city of Dallas, I’ve been here before…I’m familiar with Dallas, I love the area. As far as the organization, it’s been great. I stayed here for a reason, I like where things are headed here…I like the way they’re trying to do things here, so we’ll see what happens.”

On why he decided to remain in Dallas and not pursue a buyout:

“I think it just vibes me the best options…I did have a chance to chase and go for a playoff run with a couple contenders, but I through all in all it’s best to stay where I was at and finish out the season.”

Middleton might not have winning a championship as his top priority. Sometimes, fit, lifestyle, and organizational vibes take precedence over having the best shot at winning. For Middleton, he certainly won’t have a great shot at winning it all in Dallas, but he can be part of a solid organization in a city that he likes, and that could be enough.