The Washington Wizards made another shakeup after re-acquiring a veteran and trading D'Angelo Russell back to a familiar team
The Washington Wizards are bringing a familiar face back to the organization, this time on a longer deal.
Veteran guard/forward Khris Middleton is returning to the Wizards on a three year deal worth $17.6 million, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Tuesday night.
Washington is also sending D'Angelo Russell back to Memphis, while sending a 2029 second round pick initially owned by the Lakers to Memphis, along with sending a 2033 second round pick to Memphis. Washington is also expected to receive a 2033 second round pick from Dallas.
Josh Robbins of The Athletic reported that the second year of Middleton's contract is expected to be partially guaranteed, while the third season is non-guaranteed.
Russell was acquired by Washington as part of the midseason Anthony Davis trade, yet he never reported to the organization despite opting into his $6 million player option last month. Russell was not expected to return to the organization for the upcoming 2026-27 season with Tuesday's move a chance for the Wizards to clear up the backcourt outlook led by Trae Young.
Charania reported that the deal is also part of a larger trade that involves six other teams and previously agreed deals in John Collins, Taurean Prince, Isaiah Stewart, Gary Harris, Santi Aldama and Caris LeVert among others. The move is also made possible by the Wizards absorbing Middleton into their $13.4 million trade exception, which expires on July 9, while the Mavericks created a $5.6 million trade exception.
Washington still has room to make an addition move in free agency with still one roster spot vacant while Tuesday's signing of second round pick Felix Okpara filled the third and final two-way spot in 2026-27 alongside Jamir Watkins and Julian Reese.
The addition of the 14 year old shooting veteran marks a return to the organization where he spent the last two seasons. Middleton arrived in Washington ahead of the trade deadline during the 2024-25 season in a deal that also sent Kyle Kuzma to the Milwaukee Bucks, then starting in all 14 games he appeared in while averaging 10.7 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting over 41% from the field and nearly 28% from three.
Middleton returned to the Wizards where he started in all 34 games he was available in 2025-26, averaging 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting over 43% from the field and 33% from three. Middleton was then included as part of the package for Anthony Davis ahead of the trade deadline as the veteran started in 16 of his 29 appearances, averaging ten points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting over 40% from the field and 39% from three.
The longtime former Milwaukee wing returns to Washington serving in a veteran role to nearly round out the roster.
Wizards Roundtable also offers a fan community. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Wizards. Create an account, click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our free community and follow for all of our coverage, analysis and more!
