Report: NBA Contenders Waiting To See What Wizards Do With Former All-Star

According to a report from Forbes' NBA reporter Evan Sidery, contending teams are ready to pounce if the Washington Wizards reach a buyout agreement with former All-Star Khris Middleton. 

Sidery took to X, writing, "Multiple contending teams are monitoring Khris Middleton’s future with the Wizards. On a $33.3 million expiring contract, plus an extensive injury history, teams are not willing to offer notable compensation in a trade.Middleton is a strong buyout candidate at some point."

Middleton will be entering his 14th season in an NBA career that started with the Pistons before spending more than a decade with the Milwaukee Bucks. The small forward developed into a star with Milwaukee, making three All-Star teams and winning an NBA championship in 2021. 

The former All-Star has battled injuries over the last three seasons, failing to play more than 55 games in any season. The Bucks traded Middleton to the Wizards last year in a trade that landed them forward Kyle Kuzma.

Middleton made 14 appearances for the Washington Wizards, playing around 21 minutes a game, scoring 10.7 points with 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists. The only thing that kind of went sideways in Washington was his shooting, as he only shot 27% from three. He is a career 37% shooter from the three-point line.

The Wizards could look into a buyout as Middleton won't be in their future plans. He is no longer a guy who is going to play big minutes, but when he does play, he can shoot and play defense, something every contending team can't get enough of.