To Find A New Home Or Stay In Dallas
Middleton has earned the majority of the $33.2 million salary this season. If Middleton is bought out, he will likely still owe a portion of his remaining salary, plus the prorated veteran’s minimum he will receive for the remainder of the season.
Dallas is destined to be a lottery team as the Mavericks sit in 12th place in the West with a 21-36 record. The Mavericks have lost nine of their last 11 and will remain shorthanded for the remainder of the year with Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II out. However, Stein noted that he could have a spot with the Mavericks next season due to his shooting ability.
Dallas has just 10 players under contract for next season with a salary cap of $146.7 million. The Mavericks project to have $16 million in cap space this summer. While none of the Mavericks’ upcoming free agents are must-re-signs, they will have two first-round picks — their own and Oklahoma City’s selection. The Mavs also own Phoenix’s second-round selection.
Whether Middleton decides to remain with the Mavericks or take the buyout, he likely won’t earn more than $5-to-$8 million on a one-year pact for next year.
