Mavericks already at serious risk of losing top veteran free agent

Somehow, some way, Khris Middleton has played his way into the Dallas Mavericks’ lineup this season after arriving as part of the Anthony Davis trade with Washington. The problem? At 34 years old, Middleton doesn’t exactly fit Dallas’ timeline. That could complicate things for both sides, though perhaps not in the way many expect.

At 34 and coming off a $93 million deal over the last few seasons, there likely won’t be a bidding war for Middleton this offseason. He’s no longer the highly coveted player he once was. Still, Middleton remains a serviceable veteran, one who should draw interest from several teams, even if it comes at a much lower price.

Thus, even though he has played his way into Dallas’ rotation and perhaps even its future, the Mavericks may not be able to retain Middleton despite already showing interest in re-signing him. That begs the question: why would Dallas want to bring him back in the first place? Middleton clearly doesn’t fit the team’s timeline and was originally viewed as little more than a salary-matching piece when the Mavericks moved on from Anthony Davis.

The Mavericks need Khris Middleton

Still, even young teams need veterans. The Mavericks may not be among the league’s youngest squads today, but at 21–42 and building around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg, their roster is only going to get younger.

Mavericks co-interim general manager Michael Finley recently echoed that sentiment during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, emphasizing the importance of veteran leadership as Dallas builds around its young core.

Finley said, “If you look at the championship teams of the past or contenders, at least, even though your better players are the young guns, there’s always that solid vet. A vet who comes to work every day and doesn’t complain whether he plays five minutes, 10 minutes, no minutes, 40 minutes, but he was the consummate pro… And I think, going forward with our roster, we need guys like that. Khris definitely fits that mold.”

Khris Middleton still fills a key offensive role in Dallas

As Finley stated, Middleton provides veteran leadership, but he also fills a glaring need as a shot creator and late-game scorer. Outside of Cooper Flagg, and possibly Brandon Williams and Naji Marshall, the Mavericks lack players who can consistently create their own offense, particularly in the mid-range. Middleton still thrives in that role.

That means he wouldn’t just be a locker-room veteran like Udonis Haslem or Taj Gibson — he’d still be a useful reserve. Dallas will welcome Kyrie Irving back next season alongside a second-year leap from Cooper Flagg, but Khris Middleton’s shot-making will always have value. Like a late-career version of Carmelo Anthony, he can create tough mid-range looks and knock down turnaround jumpers without needing much separation.

Other teams could complicate the Mavs’ plan to re-sign Middleton

As it has in Dallas, Middleton’s shotmaking will be what draws interest from other teams this offseason. A contender like the Detroit Pistons or the Minnesota Timberwolves could make sense as potential suitors, especially if they’re looking for a veteran scorer to anchor their bench.

"We would love to have him back," Finley said. "I know it's a decision he will have to make with his family because he’ll have a lot of options out there."

Ultimately, Middleton may not perfectly fit the Mavericks’ long-term timeline. But rebuilding teams still need stability, professionalism, and, in Dallas’ case, players who can create a bucket when everything breaks down late in the shot clock.

If the price is right, bringing the forward back for another season or two could quietly be one of the smartest moves the Mavericks make as they transition into the Flagg era. The challenge, however, is that Middleton’s immediate value could make him an appealing option for teams looking to contend right now.