The veteran forward is a free agent at year's end, but he's making a case for why he should be retained going into next season.
Khris Middleton put up 35 points off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks in Thursday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies that put a halt to an extended losing streak.
The 34-year-old forward scored 22 of those points in the fourth quarter as Dallas made a comeback effort to create at least one memorable moment in their long road trip that's largely been defined by losses piling up. Middleton's explosion was the second-best scoring effort off the bench in Mavericks history, dating back to Rodrigue Beaubois' 40 ball in 2009.
"Whenever you get off a losing streak — no matter if it's two games or 20 games — it feels like a weight left off your back," Middleton said postgame.
It was his offensive effort - with a career-best-tying eight 3-pointers - that was also special for him.
"If I’m out here, that means I can still play, I think that's with anybody in this league," he said. "I'm always ready, whatever role a team wants me to play I'm ready to accept that role and play it to the best of my ability...
"When nights like this happen, it’s a good reminder but my nights aren’t always going to be like that."
Middleton arrived in Dallas via the Washington Wizards where he was a part of the trade that sent Anthony Davis to the nation's capital.
Near the buyout deadline, the Mavs granted the veteran an opportunity to pursue a postseason run with a contending team, but he chose against a buyout and elected to see this season through in Dallas.
So far, his Mavs career has had good moments (averaging 12 points per game), of course headlined by this massive effort against the Grizzlies. With him becoming a free agent at year's end, this growing role now shifts the narrative to what his future may look like in a Mavericks uniform.
Middleton would certainly get a competing market in free agency, but Dallas has been reported as interested in bringing him back. Problems could arise as his re-signing would create a crowded room of wings next to Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Max Christie and Caleb Martin, who are all under contract for 2026-27.
Some of these pieces are versatile enough to shift around the lineup, but with point guard Kyrie Irving returning from injury and both of Dallas' bigs (Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford) battling injuries this season, it's important to prioritize roster depth in more places where it's needed.
There might be another wing or guard added via this summer's NBA Draft to account for, as well.
For now, Middleton is making a strong case for why he should be brought back next season on a veteran contract that retains his locker room leadership, championship experience and three-level scoring punch.
More performances like Thursday's will only continue that possibility.
