Khris Middleton is creating a Mavericks problem every team would love

Khris Middleton added another impressive game to his Dallas Mavericks resume, finishing with 16 points off the bench against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. His big performance didn't result in a win for Dallas, but he is definitely creating a problem within the Mavericks' frontcourt with how well he has played since being traded to the team.

Middleton is averaging 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game through 13 games as a Maverick, and Dallas may have the issue of having too many wings if they re-sign him this summer. Every team in the league would like to be in this position, given how important wing depth is to winning, and they may be forced to move some parts around beginning this offseason.

Khris Middleton deserves another contract from the Mavericks

The Mavericks have already made it clear that they're interested in re-signing Middleton, and him not asking for a buyout just made it clear that this idea at least intrigues him. He chose to finish the year with Dallas despite multiple contenders being interested in him, and this could be a sign of good things to come after this season.

A majority of Mavericks fans would like the team to bring back Khris Middleton, as he gives the team instant offense, shooting, versatility, and secondary playmaking on a team that lacks all of these things. Dallas has been one of the worst 3-point shooting teams all year, and Middleton's confidence from beyond the arc has been a breath of fresh air for fans.

He's never afraid to let it fly from long range, and his ability to create his own shot when needed has shown promise as well. Jason Kidd has even elected to run the offense through him at times, and he has stepped up in big moments.

His play has definitely warranted the Mavericks at least exploring the possibility of giving him a new contract in free agency, but what does this mean for those around him?

Khris Middleton's return would create a wing logjam in Dallas

Dallas has Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, Caleb Martin, and Naji Marshall all under contract next season, and there won't be enough minutes to go around for some of these players if they bring back Middleton. Of course, players like Flagg and Marshall aren't always utilized as true wings, as Marshall handles the ball often and plays some point guard, and Flagg has been thrust into an on-ball role as well, but both of these things may change next season.

Kyrie Irving is on track to return at the beginning of the season, and Dallas is going to need complementary wings around him. He will immediately become the Mavericks' primary creator once again, along with Flagg, and these wings' ability to defend, knock down open shots, and space the floor will all be important.

Middleton provides some of these things, and he'd give the Mavs a three-level scorer off the bench who can play multiple positions. He would also provide veteran leadership and experience, but Dallas can't bring him back while also not making any trades to improve their backcourt.

Dallas must manage its assets better — but it could cost them a wing

The Mavericks' point guard play has been one of their biggest weaknesses all season, and they have to find a way to address this in the offseason. This could require a trade or finding someone in free agency, but roster spots are limited.

Dallas is poised to have just four open roster spots after this season (assuming they opt in to Ryan Nembhard's team option), and fans have to remember that they have two first-round picks this summer as well. Both first-round picks will likely take up standard roster spots, leaving the Mavericks with just two other roster spots for free agents.

Dallas could use one of these on Middleton, but it may come at the cost of someone like Klay Thompson. They have to explore the trade market to better balance their roster, given how poorly this season has gone for the entire team, and the Thompson rumors from earlier this season may reappear after the season.

He has played great for the Mavericks recently, but if they keep Middleton, he may be one of the first people that Dallas looks to trade to better manage their assets.

Every team would like to deal with such a problem during the offseason, as being too deep at a position is never a bad thing, but Middleton playing himself into a new contract with the Mavericks is not something that fans expected after seeing that he was part of the Anthony Davis trade.