Overview
- Middleton will not pursue a buyout before the March 1 waiver cutoff, removing him from immediate postseason-add consideration for other teams.
- The Nuggets and Spurs were positioned as leading suitors if he became available, with Denver creating tax and roster flexibility and San Antonio opening a spot.
- Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said the decision was Middleton’s to make and that the team would support either choice.
- A buyout would have cost Middleton his Bird rights, a factor that could have limited his earning power in free agency this summer.
- Since arriving in Dallas, he has provided veteran stability and, through six games, averaged 14.5 points while being cited as a mentor for No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.