Veteran Middleton focused on basketball, not buyout rumors

Khris Middleton makes his debut with the Mavericks, who are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Veteran forward Khris Middleton made his debut with the Dallas Mavericks in a 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns, the team's eighth straight defeat. Despite the lopsided score, Middleton was impressed by the Mavericks' resilience in cutting the deficit to six points late in the game. The 14-year NBA veteran, who was acquired at the trade deadline, is focused on playing basketball and has not discussed a potential buyout with the Mavericks' front office.

Why it matters

The Mavericks are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having traded away several key players. Middleton's veteran leadership and scoring ability could be beneficial for the team during the final two months of the season, as they try to end their lengthy losing streak and compete against the Lakers, who have had their number since Luka Doncic was traded.

The details

Middleton made his Mavericks debut on Tuesday, scoring 13 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in the loss to the Suns. He hit his only 3-pointer of the game, showcasing his shooting ability. Despite the lopsided score, Middleton was impressed by the team's resilience in cutting the deficit to six points late in the game. The Mavericks are in the middle of their longest losing streak since 2016, but Middleton's veteran presence and experience could be valuable as the team looks to turn things around.

  • Middleton made his Mavericks debut on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Khris Middleton

A 14-year NBA veteran who was acquired by the Mavericks at the trade deadline. He is a three-time All-Star and NBA champion.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Mavericks, who previously coached Middleton when he was with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Cooper Flagg

A young player on the Mavericks roster, as the team pivots to a younger core.

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What they’re saying

“I loved the way we fought back. Guys didn't hang their heads or feel sorry for themselves.”

— Khris Middleton (The Dallas Morning News)

“Some would say he was a throw-in. He's a lot bigger than you think. He can post. He can shoot it. For me, it was exciting to be able to work with Khris early on in his basketball journey. He did all the hard work. When we got him, he was our best player at the time. Giannis [Antetokounmpo] not that far behind.”

— Jason Kidd, Mavericks Head Coach (The Dallas Morning News)

“Just being honest. When you see something, say something. If a guy has a question, be honest with them. That's the approach I try to take.”

— Khris Middleton (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

The Mavericks have one final chance to end their eight-game losing streak before the All-Star break when they face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Middleton's veteran leadership and scoring ability could be crucial for the Mavericks as they try to turn around their season and end their lengthy losing streak. His focus on playing basketball and not buyout rumors shows his commitment to the team, which could be valuable for the young players on the roster.