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Khris Middleton of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Sacramento Kings.
The Denver Nuggets may be shopping in familiar territory on the buyout market — but this time, they won’t be alone.
Spurs Emerge as Real Threat in Nuggets’ Khris Middleton Chase
As the NBA buyout deadline approaches, the Nuggets are facing serious competition from the San Antonio Spurs for veteran wing Khris Middleton, who is still weighing whether to pursue a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Denver and San Antonio are currently viewed around the league as the two teams most prepared to act if Middleton becomes available.
“Among those with interest in Middleton, the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs are said to be at the front of the line for the 34-year-old wing should he be bought out of his contract in Dallas,” Siegel reported.
Why the Nuggets Are Monitoring the Buyout Market Closely
Denver’s interest comes after a quiet trade deadline in which the Nuggets focused more on financial flexibility than roster upgrades. Their lone move involved trading Hunter Tyson, a deal that dropped Denver below the luxury tax.
That maneuver left the Nuggets approximately $1.1 million under the tax line with one open roster spot — a deliberate position that allows them to explore the buyout market without triggering additional penalties.
Before Kyle Anderson signed elsewhere, Denver had also shown interest in the versatile forward, according to multiple reports. The common thread: the Nuggets want size, ball-handling, and playoff experience on the wing.
Middleton checks all three boxes.
Spurs’ Interest Raises the Stakes for Denver
What elevates this situation is the Spurs’ emergence as a legitimate rival in the Middleton sweepstakes.
San Antonio currently sits second in the Western Conference at 43–16, just 1.5 games behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are fourth at 37–22, just a half-game behind the Houston Rockets.
If Denver fails to land Middleton, it risks strengthening a direct postseason rival — a scenario the Nuggets know all too well in a tightly packed West.
Winning the buyout race would not only add a championship-tested wing to Nikola Jokić’s supporting cast but also prevent San Antonio from becoming even more formidable come playoff time.
Middleton Still Weighing His Options
For now, Middleton has not made a final decision.
“Khris Middleton just told @TheSteinLine he is still weighing his options in advance of Sunday’s deadline to pursue a contract buyout,” reported NBA insider Marc Stein. “League sources say Denver and other playoff teams have shown interest.”
Middleton echoed that uncertainty in comments to The Athletic.
“I’ll talk to my agent here by Saturday,” Middleton said. “Hear what he has to say. I trust him to lay down my options, and we’ll talk from there.”
Players must agree to buyouts by March 1 to be eligible for postseason play with a new team.
On-Court Production Still Holding Up
Despite recent injuries and a diminished role compared to his All-Star peak when he helped the Milwaukee Bucks win the 2021 NBA championship, Middleton has shown signs of life in Dallas.
He scored 17 points with five rebounds and four assists in Thursday’s 130–121 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Through six games with the Mavericks, he’s averaging 14.5 points while shooting 38.1% from three.
Overall this season, Middleton has posted 11.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 40 games, numbers that reflect a capable rotation piece rather than a featured scorer.
How Denver Views Middleton’s Role
According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, the Nuggets see Middleton as depth — not a guaranteed starter.
“Nuggets have been pursuing forward depth on the buyout market, with Khris Middleton among the candidates they’ve shown interest in,” Dallas Mavericks. “Size on the wing and ball-handling are two traits they’ve circled.”
That role could expand depending on health, but the Nuggets’ internal expectation is measured.
The Financial Catch Looming Over Middleton’s Decision
One key factor complicating the situation: Middleton would forfeit his Bird rights if he agrees to a buyout, likely limiting his free-agent market this summer.
Siegel noted that many agents remain wary of buyouts for this reason.
“Once players accept a minimum deal, that’s essentially what their market looks like for the rest of their career,” Siegel wrote. “In Middleton’s case, this may not be the smartest financial decision.”
That reality explains why Middleton has yet to rush his choice — even as contenders like Denver and San Antonio wait.
For the Nuggets, the calculus is simple: adding Middleton could be the difference between depth and vulnerability in May. But with the Spurs circling, Denver may soon find itself in a familiar Western Conference battle — this time, before Middleton ever steps on the floor.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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