For years, Khris Middleton was the second-best player on the championship-contending Milwaukee Bucks before a slew of injuries caused him to miss ample time in recent years. Last year, the Bucks traded him to Washington for Kyle Kuzma, and this year, the Wizards sent him to the Mavericks in a package to get Anthony Davis.
While Middleton is far from his All-Star self from a few years ago, he can still be a reliable bench piece for a contender with a blend of shooting, basketball IQ, and savvy secondary playmaking skills. His high minutes days are behind him, but the Timberwolves lack playable bench wings. As such, Middleton would be the perfect guy to play 15 to 20 minutes a night.
Middleton getting bought out by the Mavericks is a dream scenario for the Wolves.
It isn't a guarantee that Middleton gets bought out
Since getting traded to the Mavericks, Middleton has already suited up for a few games, and he's looked solid. Most recently, today, Middleton led the Mavericks to a 134-130 win over the Indiana Pacers, where Middleton turned back the clock, putting up 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, further questioning if he'll be bought out, putting up stats like this.
The case for Middleton being bought out is simple: the Mavericks have no real need for him on the roster unless they value him that much as a mentor to Cooper Flagg. But he's 34 years old on an expiring deal with a good bit of injury history. He might want to spend the last few years of his basketball career in a situation where he can win.
How Middleton would fit on the Wolves
As seen tonight, while he's no longer his All-Star self, Middleton still has the scoring ability to demand strong attention. He's always been a maestro in the mid-range while also being a threat from three. It's easy to envision him taking some of the pressure off of guys like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle on offense while at least being serviceable enough on defense.
He's the type of player stars like to play with; he can be effective without the ball, and he isn't going to demand touches that should be going to the stars of the team. The Wolves also really don't have a playable backup wing on the roster. Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr are both combo guards, and Naz Reid is a stretch big.
Middleton being bought out could end up being wishful thinking, but it certainly isn't impossible, and if it does happen, I would hope the Wolves jump on the opportunity to add Khash Money Middleton without a second thought