Mar 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (32) warms up before a game against the Indiana Pacers at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Former All-Star Opts to Remain With Wizards

Originally posted on Washington Wizards on SI
By Henry Brown | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 4:48 PM ET

The NBA Finals officially wrapped up over the weekend signaled the official start of the NBA offseason, with teams now allowed to negotiate current contracts with their players.

The Washington Wizards have a few veteran deals to sort out in-house, specifically pertaining to the various veterans set to hit some form of free agency, but saw the first domino fall on Monday afternoon when Khris Middleton opted into the player option that was waiting for him at the end of his current contract.

Washington Wizards three-time NBA All-Star Khris Middleton has picked up his $33.3 million player option for the 2025-26 season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/skVrixdlA5
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2025

The move didn't exactly register as a surprise, with the 3x All-Star now set to earn $33.3 million to stay in Washington for one more year. It's a lot more than the former championship-level scorer would have made on the open market, with years of mileage soaking the 33 year old of much of his perimeter powers.

It's part of why he was dealt to the Wizards from the Milwaukee Bucks at last season's trade deadline, having been deemed a necessary player to move after nearly a dozen seasons at Giannis Antetokounmpo's side. The Bucks got Kyle Kuzma in return, who was less than stellar at his new stop, while the Wizards received the weathered veteran along with some future assets.

DC, meet Khris Middleton pic.twitter.com/MQGD7ILUGO
— henry j. brown (@HenryJNBA) February 22, 2025

Middleton averaged 10.7 points on 41/28/87% shooting splits in his short stint with the Wizards, well short of what he posted during his heyday. Now, he'll look to add to the fully-staffed rebuilding roster as an experienced professional on an expiring deal.

This article first appeared on Washington Wizards on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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