Khris Middleton is expected to finish the season in Dallas

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 22: Khris Middleton #20 of the Dallas Mavericks jogs up court during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone, but the Dallas Mavericks continue to make roster tweaks. Veteran point guard Tyus Jones was waived in a (potentially) mutually beneficial move. Jones is now free to hook up with a playoff team before Sunday’s deadline to do so while remaining playoff eligible. On the other hand, Dallas was able to convert Ryan Nembhard from his two-way deal to a standard contract, due to the roster spot Jones’ departure created.

All the while, Khris Middleton was rumored to be weighing his options as well. Earlier in the week, the Mavericks openly left it to Middleton as to whether he would remain in Dallas or seek employment on a playoff team. Now Marc Stein is reporting that Middleton has made his decision to stay in Dallas for the remainder of the season.

Khris Middleton intends to finish the season with the Mavericks, sources close to the process tell @TheSteinLine.

Middleton told me earlier this week that he would keep his options open into the weekend ahead of Sunday's buyout deadline to be playoff-eligible with a new team. pic.twitter.com/qbT0tNs8Kb
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 1, 2026

It is unclear if Middleton was unable to find a suitor to his liking, or any suitor at all. It remains entirely plausible that he simply wants to stick around in Dallas as a veteran presence in the rebuild. The Mavericks have indicated they may very well have a space for him on the roster next season, should both sides find common ground in his soon-to-be free agency this summer.

Keith Smith offers up another wrinkle that could be in play. Pointing out that a relative few teams are set to have cap space this summer (as things currently stand), Middleton’s Bird Rights could play a factor.

With very few teams having cap space this summer, and none likely to pursue him, Middleton's Bird rights could have value in a potential sign-and-trade. That's reason enough to not take a buyout. https://t.co/zyqtGwvFsL
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 1, 2026

There are certainly a number of nuances to the collective bargaining agreement, but what Smith is presumably hinting at is that Middleton’s Bird Rights may allow him to get paid well, while allowing Dallas to recoup assets for him in an offseason trade as opposed to losing him for nothing in a buyout now.

Whatever comes in the offseason, we now know Middleton intends to hang around at least until Dallas wraps up the 2025-2026 season in April. Having his veteran leadership around Cooper Flagg and the team at large, even if only for a few months, will most certainly provide benefits for the young face of the franchise once he returns from a foot sprain.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

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