Khris Middleton and Jason Kidd have reunited as part of the Dallas Mavericks following a trade deadline deal that involved the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets. This reunion revives the duo’s connection, which first flourished during Kidd’s tenure as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played a key role in Middleton’s professional growth.
While Middleton may no longer be regarded as the All-Star caliber player he once was, his veteran presence and consistent contributions as a wing creator and secondary playmaker provide important depth for Dallas. Despite speculation about a potential buyout to join a championship contender, Middleton is expected to remain with the Mavericks going forward.
At some point, there could be a time when he does start. We want to look at him starting with Cooper and Tyus, so different combinations. That could happen as soon as Thursday or we can wait until after the break but we do want to play him,
Kidd said through Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.
Middleton’s Rise Under Kidd’s Guidance in Milwaukee
Jason Kidd’s arrival as Milwaukee’s head coach in 2014 marked a pivotal moment in Khris Middleton’s career. After joining the Bucks in 2013 following a rookie season with the Detroit Pistons, Middleton flourished under Kidd’s leadership. This period included Middleton signing his first major contract on July 9, 2015, a five-year deal worth $70 million, a huge increase from his previous $915,000 salary during the 2014-15 season.
Middleton’s career peaked with multiple All-Star appearances in 2019, 2020, and 2022, and he was a vital contributor to Milwaukee’s 2021 NBA championship. Additionally, he helped Team USA win gold at the Tokyo Olympics that same year, cementing his reputation as a high-level performer on both the domestic and international stage.
Integrating Middleton into Dallas’s Young Talent Pool
Middleton is preparing to share the court alongside rookie forward Cooper Flagg and recent addition Tyus Jones, with the Mavericks’ coaching staff considering different lineup options. Kidd indicated that Middleton could start games with Flagg and Jones, which may shift players like PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, or Max Christie into bench roles.
Despite injury setbacks over recent seasons, Middleton averaged 10.3 points in 24.3 minutes per game while with Washington this year before his trade to Dallas. His readiness to contribute within Dallas’s evolving roster signals a potential stabilizing impact for the team as they develop youth talents alongside seasoned veterans.
What This Reunion Means for the Mavericks’ Future
The rekindling of the partnership between Jason Kidd and Khris Middleton reflects a full-circle moment that connects Milwaukee’s successful past with Dallas’s present ambitions. Middleton’s experience and versatility could provide crucial support for the Mavericks as they aim to strengthen their lineup and contend in a competitive Western Conference.
As Dallas explores different rotations and integrates Middleton’s skills with promising players like Cooper Flagg, the team will closely monitor how this reunion influences their performance, particularly approaching the midseason break and the stretch run of the season.
