Khris Middleton's Return Shows Wizards are Ready For Competition

The idea back in January that the Wizards would trade Khris Middleton in a package to acquire ten-time All-Star Anthony Davis could have been viewed as a pipe dream trade package. Yet the idea of Middleton landing back with Washington in 2026 might sound even crazier.

Yet here we are. That really happened. Part of a six-team trade, the Wizards helped complete the deal, sending D'Angelo Russell, a second-round pick, and a second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies. Middleton signs with Washington on a three-year, $17.6 million deal. 

Only the first year of the deal is fully guaranteed, according to a report from The Athletic. The second season is partially guaranteed, with the third season non-guaranteed.

This move is good on the margins. It helps them complete the $13.4 million trade exception the Wizards could utilize, as it pairs with Deandre Ayton's, 8.1 million dollar salary, according to Bobby Marks.

This move signals that the Wizards want to compete next year. Not from the sense where they are competing for a title, but it appears Michael Winger and Will Dawkins are prepared to only play who they think gives them the best chance to win.

The Wizards have already stated the deconstruction phase of their rebuild is complete. With that said, it means minutes should be much harder to come by for fringe rotation players. Middleton adds another layer of competition to the mix

The Athletic reported the Wizards don't have plans on Middleton interfering with AJ Dybantsa and other member of the young core's minutes. 

Middleton, 35, can still provide plenty of productive minutes, especially offensively. With the Wizards last season, he had a heavier role for a good portion of the season, and his impact numbers trended positively. That should be the expectation for a veteran talent playing with almost entirely inexperienced players. However, that impact reveals he could legitimately help the Wizards as depth.

The Wizards' net rating was 7.5 points better with Middleton on the floor in 2025, according to Databallr. He proved to be a serviceable playmaker for the Wizards. He averaged 3.3 potential assists per minute on the ball, good for the 96th percentile.

Additionally, there's data that reveals some of Washington's key contributors performed better with Middleton on the floor. For instance, Wizards' third-year players Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George each saw better offensive statistics in almost every category when Middleton was on the floor.

Even the rookie Tre Johnson saw some significant increases in production with the veteran alongside. Per 75 possessions, Johnson's three-point percentage rose just under 10% to 43.8%.

Bottomline, Middleton's offensive production can be of use off the bench. If any younger players are struggling to see the floor due to Middleton's presence, that would probably mean they aren't deserving of those minutes.

The Wizards are ready for that phase of their build. They appear ready to play who they believe gives them the best chance to win every night. Of course, the number one priority should be the continued development of their young core and number-one overall pick AJ Dybantsa. It appears they believe the best thing for their development is to put them in a situation where they can win, or at least learn how to.

This aligns with what the front office has said publicly since January, when they acquired Young from Atlanta. Since then, they've reiterated their desire to put their young core in much more competitive games in 2026. Adding Davis a month later took it to a new level. Now, they've added some necessary depth to fill the gaps.

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!