Wizards’ Khris Middleton Picking Up Player Option On Contract

Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton has exercised his $33.3 million player option for the 2025-26 season, delaying free agency for another year, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Middleton, who turns 34 in August, was widely expected to opt in given the size of the deal and his recent injury history. The three-time All-Star has dealt with lingering wrist, knee, and ankle issues over the last three seasons, limiting him to just 125 regular-season games since the start of the 2022-23 campaign.

The former Milwaukee Bucks standout averaged 14.1 points, 4.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 25 minutes per game over that stretch, shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 35.6 percent on 3-pointers.

While those numbers dipped from his All-Star peak, Middleton offered a reminder of his capabilities when healthy, turning in strong postseason efforts in 2023 and 2024. Across 11 playoff games over those two years, he averaged 24.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists on 47.5 percent shooting.

Still, his inability to consistently stay on the court — paired with his hefty contract — led Milwaukee to trade him to Washington at the deadline this past February. The Wizards, in the midst of a rebuild, took on Middleton’s deal primarily as a financial asset.

While he’s set to begin the season in Washington, his stay in the nation’s capital may not last the full year. The veteran forward’s expiring contract could be useful in trade discussions either this summer or ahead of February’s deadline.

If he remains with the team into the winter and struggles to regain form, a buyout might become an option.

Even with Middleton’s salary on the books, the Wizards are expected to operate well below the luxury tax line.