Khris Middleton, the three-time NBA All-Star and former Milwaukee Bucks standout, has been traded from the Washington Wizards to the Dallas Mavericks in a significant deal that unfolded at the 2026 trade deadline. This trade dramatically reshapes both teams, with the Wizards acquiring 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis while Middleton takes his talents to Dallas as part of a multi-player exchange.
Once a cornerstone of the Bucks’ 2021 championship team, Middleton’s move to Washington in 2025 was met with mixed feelings among Milwaukee fans. Now, after limited impact on a struggling Wizards roster, his journey continues to Dallas amid the league’s flurry of midseason deals. This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises as Washington looks to rebuild and Dallas attempts to reorient its roster around emerging young talent.
Details of the Extensive Trade Between Dallas and Washington
This elaborate swap sends Anthony Davis, along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, from Dallas to the Wizards. In return, Dallas receives Khris Middleton, former Bucks guard AJ Johnson, rookie Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, plus two first-round draft picks and three second-rounders. Sources confirmed this major transaction, highlighting its scope and impact on both teams’ futures.
Middleton joins a Dallas team focused on rebuilding with promising players like Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, and Ryan Nembhard. The Mavericks also still retain veterans such as Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Kyrie Irving, although speculation surrounds Irving’s future with the team, as they may look to move him for additional draft assets.
Khris Middleton’s NBA Journey and Current Role in Dallas
Middleton’s departure from Milwaukee was a source of disappointment highlighted by the Bucks’ playoff struggles following the 2025 season, including their unexpected exit to Indiana. While Kyle Kuzma was acquired as a potential upgrade, he has yet to fill Middleton’s void. Meanwhile, Middleton played as a starter for Washington’s rebuilding squad that featured emerging talents like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George.
Now, Middleton arrives in Dallas during the final year of his contract, earning over $33 million this season. With unrestricted free agency looming, he might not be part of the Mavericks’ long-term plans. The team could consider a buyout or allow Middleton to seek a playoff contender before his contract expires. For Milwaukee fans, the possibility of Middleton returning remains a sentimental thought, but he may also serve as a valuable veteran scorer for other teams aiming for postseason success.
Implications of the Trade for Both Franchises
This trade represents an aggressive effort by the Washington Wizards to surround their young core with elite experience, adding Anthony Davis to elevate the team’s competitiveness. Conversely, Dallas embraces a rebuilding phase centered around Cooper Flagg and other young players, supported by veterans to guide the process.
The Mavericks’ strategic choice to acquire Middleton and young assets alongside significant draft capital suggests they are preparing for a multi-year rebuild. How the team navigates Kyrie Irving’s potential departure and Middleton’s free agency status will be critical in shaping their roster moving forward. Meanwhile, the Wizards’ acquisition of Davis signals a push toward immediate improvement after several seasons of rebuilding.
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/sfrQQubI5i
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
