Latest Khris Middleton buyout update is bad news for Nuggets, Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets experienced a disheartening drop to the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference (38-24 record, 5-5 in last 10 games) over the past few weeks, and the injury-riddled squad could aim to land valuable reinforcements via the buyout market.

Luckily enough, backup for Denver's 3-time MVP Nikola Jokić appeared to be waiting in the wings. 2021 NBA champion and 3-time All-Star wing Khris Middleton had been contemplating a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks to enter free agency and eventually join a top-end contending team.

Denver's interest in the veteran shot-maker only grew with time, but the franchise was recently hit with a deflating update concerning Middleton's final decision from The Stein Line's Marc Stein on Monday.

"On Saturday night I reported that Middleton -- after telling me that he would keep his options open into the weekend regarding a possible buyout -- had pledged to stay in Dallas for the rest of the season," Stein revealed.

"He could have pushed for a buyout to join the very interested Nuggets or another playoff-bound team, but Middleton would have been forced to sacrifice his Bird rights in the process. Retaining his Bird rights means that Middleton keeps himself eligible for a potential sign-and-trade this summer."

Middleton's effectiveness has dropped off since becoming one of the greatest players in Milwaukee Bucks franchise history from 2013-2025, but he'd have provided Jokić and surging first-time All-Star Jamal Murray with a reliable scoring option, especially in the midst of Cam Johnson's disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

At 34 years old, the mid-range master has contributed 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists in eight games for the Mavs since his arrival via trade from the Washington Wizards in the massive three-team Anthony Davis deal prior to the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

Even though he's slowed down a step since departing from Milwaukee, Middleton's value as an experienced playoff performer with NBA Finals D.N.A. cannot be understated.

In 80 career postseason games as a Buck, Middleton contributed 20.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals on 44.1/39.0/86.6 shooting splits as 2021 Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo's trusted sidekick.

Instead of assisting the Nuggets with their chase for the 2026 NBA title, he'll remain in Dallas to mentor star rookie forward Cooper Flagg.

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