Mavericks' pressing free agency question just answered itself

Five of the Dallas Mavericks' 15 players on the standard roster are set to enter unrestricted free agency this summer, and it's already obvious that Dallas needs to re-sign Khris Middleton. Many fans viewed him as a throw-in following the Anthony Davis trade with the Washington Wizards, but he has proven that he is much more than an expiring contract.

Middleton deserves to stick around after this year, and he could end up being a key piece of the genesis of the Cooper Flagg era. Dallas obviously needs more playmaking and shooting around Flagg, and Middleton provides that and more.

So far as a Maverick, Middleton is averaging 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 50 percent from the field. He has been a breath of fresh air amid a rough stretch, and Mavericks fans are beginning to fall in love with his aesthetically pleasing game.

Re-signing Khris Middleton should be an obvious move for Dallas

There hasn't been a whole lot for Mavericks fans to be excited about over the last few months, but Middleton's strong start to his journey in Dallas has been a sight for sore eyes. The 34-year-old's ability to create his own shot off the dribble from all three levels and lead the offense has been intriguing, and he has a role waiting for him next season if he doesn't pursue a buyout.

The Mavericks have given him the choice on whether he wants to get bought out or stick it out in Dallas, and if he stays, they should prioritize giving him a new contract in free agency. Dallas needs more secondary creation around Flagg, and he could be one of the leaders within the Mavs' future second unit.

Even though he has only played one game with Flagg, it's clear that Middleton fills a hole that the Mavericks need to address. Dallas is shooting 34.2 percent from three on the year, which ranks 27th in the NBA, and adding more shooters into the mix will be huge for Flagg and the Mavericks as they look to escape their playoff drought.

3-point shooting has obviously been one of Flagg's biggest weaknesses in his rookie year, and adding more shooting around him will help open up the floor for him. He does most of his damage in the paint and mid-range, and they need more spacing around him to properly maximize his skills and give him more driving lanes.

On top of this, Middleton will also provide great leadership for Flagg. Jason Kidd talked about this before Dallas' game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, and Middleton has the chance to emerge as one of the leaders in the locker room if he sticks around long-term.

"I’ve been talking to him a lot about he can help Coop," Kidd said. "He feels like he can’t help Coop, Coop’s already passed him."

Middleton obviously has a great sense of humor as well, and his championship experience, combined with his offensive brilliance, would make for a fun reunion this summer. The question of whether to bring Middleton back or let him walk has been answered pretty quickly, and Dallas would benefit significantly from re-signing him.