Overview
- Middleton told Marc Stein he is deciding whether to finish the season in Dallas or seek a buyout before Sunday’s cutoff.
- The Mavericks have signaled support for either path, with coach Jason Kidd saying the choice is Middleton’s and the team will back his decision.
- Reporting places Denver and San Antonio at the front of the line if he is bought out, with the Nuggets viewing him as wing depth and the Spurs recently creating roster flexibility.
- To play in the playoffs for a new team, he must be waived by March 1, and a buyout would forfeit his Bird rights while making apron teams ineligible to sign him due to his $33.3 million salary.
- The 34-year-old has averaged about 11.0 points this season and 14.5 since joining Dallas, and he plans to consult his agent by Saturday before deciding.