The Washington Wizards have entered the trade market once again as NBA Free Agency presses on. After acquiring DeAndre Ayton from the Los Angeles Lakers, the Wizards will be bringing back veteran forward Khris Middleton from the Dallas Mavericks. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Middleton will be heading to Washington on a new three-year, $17.6 million contract, while D’Angelo Russell, a second-round pick, and a second-round pick swap will be heading to Memphis as part of a giant, six-team deal.
The Washington Wizards Reunite With Khris Middleton Via Sign-And-Trade
Middleton will be heading into his 14th NBA season and second stint with the Wizards. After Middleton opted into his player option this past season, Washington shipped him out in the Anthony Davis trade, which also brought Russell in. The three-time All-Star will now be under contract through the 2028-29 season, making him 37 when his contract expires. Over the course of his career, Middleton is a one-time NBA champion and three-time NBA All-Star, and he holds the all-time three-point record for the Milwaukee Bucks.
This past season with the Wizards and Dallas Mavericks, the 2021 NBA Champion averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 63 games. Now back in D.C. with the revamped Wizards, the three-time All-Star will reunite with Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, and the rest of the young core.
While Middleton is past his prime, he will once again take on a major role for Washington. With several notable young pieces, the veteran will return to his mentoring role, guiding the same core but now with postseason aspirations. Additionally, he’ll be someone Trae Young can rely on in clutch moments, giving him another scorer.
The Trade
Washington and Dallas joined the massive, multi-team trade that’s been building over the last several weeks. In total, six teams are connected to the Middleton trade, including Memphis. Some notable players moving across this massive trade include Caris LeVert, Isiah Stewart, and Santi Aldama. These moves have occurred over several weeks, making it one of the biggest in recent league memory.
With the remaining time in free agency, look for Washington to remain heavily interested in a backup guard. It was reported that the Wizards were interested in reuniting with former MVP Russell Westbrook, who is still on the market.
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