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Trajan Langdon sitting courtside during a Big3 game.
With the Detroit Pistons being in a position to contend in the Eastern Conference in 2026, they have become candidates to dip into the NBA’s yearly buyout market. Adding a seasoned veteran with championship experience would be ideal for the squad with a young core.
According to the NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Pistons are assumed to have an eye on the Dallas Mavericks’ situation with Khris Middleton.
While Middleton hasn’t sought out a buyout just yet, the Mavericks are rumored to be open to one if it’s requested.
via Marc Stein, Sirius XM NBA Radio: “I have to think there are a handful of contenders, playoff-bound teams, and I would have to think the Pistons are among them wondering, if there’s any chance they could convince Khris Middleton to pursue a buyout? What I reported last night was the Mavericks have essentially put the ball in Khris Middleton’s court. If Khris Middleton wants a buyout to join a playoff-bound team, Dallas will happily cooperate and work with him.”
How Much Is Middleton Making With The Dallas Mavericks?
Middleton didn’t begin the season with the Mavs. The veteran forward was in the midst of his first full year with the Washington Wizards before he found himself moved to Dallas in the Anthony Davis trade.
Before Middleton landed in Washington, he was a star for the Milwaukee Bucks. At the start of the 2023-2024 NBA season, Middleton was at the beginning of a three-year deal, which is worth $93 million.
Ahead of the 2025-2026 NBA season, Middleton picked up his $33 million player option. While the Wizards weren’t competing for anything outside of a potential Play-In bid, Middleton made the right financial choice for himself.
Now, it’s reportedly up to him to decide if he wants to cut the cord with his current deal to hit the free agency market to join a contending situation.
GettyKhris Middleton could be a buyout candidate for the Dallas Mavericks, leaving the Detroit Pistons as a possible landing spot.
Why The Pistons Make Sense
The Pistons are one of the top teams in the NBA this year.
After finishing the 2024-2025 NBA season as the Eastern Conference’s sixth seed, the Pistons dropped out in the first round of the playoffs in six games against the New York Knicks. They put up a good fight, but clearly lacked postseason experience.
Middleton is a 34-year-old veteran with previous All-Star experience and a championship run under his belt.
During the 2020-2021 NBA season, Middleton appeared in 68 games for the Milwaukee Bucks. He averaged 20 points per game, while shooting 47 percent from the field and knocking down 41 percent of his attempts from three. He also produced 6.0 rebounds per game, along with 5.4 assists.
Throughout Middleton’s 14-year career (including an early stop in Detroit), he has appeared in 810 regular-season games. He has 80 postseason matchups on his resume. He was a full-time starter for every game.
Middleton’s latest playoff run was during the 2024 playoffs with the Bucks.
With the Wizards this season, Middleton posted averages of 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He may no longer produce at an All-Star level, but he could be a helpful addition for the Pistons’ second unit.
At 42-14, the Pistons are on pace to lock in a playoff spot. If Middleton is available, a reunion could certainly be in the works.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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