Chris Middleton plans to stay in Dallas despite record
Chris Middleton stays in place. Despite the flurry of rumours and the buyout deadline, the veteran striker intends to finish the season with Dallas Mavericks.
34 year old had the opportunity to jump on board candidate before Sunday’s deadline to be eligible for the playoffs with a new team. The Denver Nuggets were reportedly in the lead a pack of interested suitorsbut Middleton decided to stretch it out in North Texas. Sources indicate he has settled in quickly since arriving in the Anthony Davis blockbuster trade earlier this season.
It’s been a rough ride for Dallas lately. The Mavericks are currently 21-38, far from a playoff picture in a loaded Western Conference. The team is coming off a disappointing 124-105 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday, where the offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
Middleton was a stable force in the midst of chaos. In the team’s recent 130-121 loss to the Sacramento Kings, the former Milwaukee Bucks All-Star had 17 points and five rebounds in 33 minutes. He also showed flashes of his championship pedigree during February. 22 win over the Indiana Pacers, erupting for 25 points on an efficient 11-of-15 shooting.
Retaining Middleton is a significant move for a Mavericks front office looking to retain some veteran leadership around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. While the postseason is likely out of reach this year, Middleton’s presence provides a professional blueprint for a young roster still searching for its identity.
The Mavericks return to action Sunday at the American Airlines Center to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. It will be a massive test for a Dallas team looking to snap a two-game slump and prove they can compete with the West’s elite.
2026-03-01 03:32:00
