Mavericks already eyeing free agency reunion fans desperately crave

The 2025-26 season will soon come to a close, and the Dallas Mavericks are already eyeing a free agency move that fans are begging for.

Khris Middleton came to Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis trade, and according to co-interim general manager Michael Finley, the Mavericks would like to have him back. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and after electing to remain in Dallas rather than pursuing a buyout, the Mavericks are in a great spot to bring him back.

Mavericks want to re-sign Khris Middleton this offseason

"We would love to have him back," Finley said in a recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan. "I know it's a decision he will have to make with his family because he’ll have a lot of options out there."

The suitors were lining up for Middleton in anticipation that he might ask for a buyout last week, and the same will likely happen this summer as he hits unrestricted free agency. The 34-year-old veteran still has a lot to offer as he enters his 15th year in the NBA, and the Mavericks may have to fight to keep him in free agency.

Since arriving in Dallas, Middleton is averaging 12.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field. From clutch moments to scoring outbursts and multiple seven-assist games, Middleton has shown off his entire bag as a Maverick.

Mavericks fans have rallied around Middleton following some of his big games, as he has been one of the few bright spots amid a dark stretch. He has become someone fans would like to see return in free agency due to his secondary playmaking and attack-first mindset on offense.

Now, it's just up to the Mavericks to keep him.

Why bringing back Khris Middleton makes sense for Dallas

Dallas has already made it clear to Middleton that they're going to need more shooting this offseason, and as Finley said, they want to bring him back. Middleton would be an obvious fit off the bench for a team that needs more scoring and shooting, and they'd likely be able to re-sign him for a decent price.

They wouldn't have to break the bank to keep the 6-foot-7 swingman in Dallas, and on top on top of the obvious on-court impact he provides, he has also been an excellent veteran presence for the young players to learn from. The Mavericks need experience and leadership as they enter the Cooper Flagg era, and that's exactly what Khris Middleton brings.

He is all business and the definition of a true pro.

Dallas is prioritizing these types of players moving forward, and Middleton fits the mold perfectly.

"I think if you look at the championship teams of the past, or the contenders at least, even though your better players may be the young guns on the team, you've always had that solid vet—a vet who came to work every day," Finley said. "He didn't complain about whether he played five minutes, 10 minutes, no minutes, 40 minutes, but he was the constant pro. And I think going forward with our roster, we need guys like that. Khris, you know, definitely fits that mold."

The Mavericks know how special Middleton is on and off the court, and it'll be up to them to keep him. Dallas needs as much help as it can get as it tries to avoid missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years next season, and Middleton could be the type of signing that gives them the competitive bench they need to contend in the Western Conference.