When Khris Middleton landed on the Washington Wizards, it was clear that not only was the fit not long-term, but it was motivated more by Washington looking to move off of Kyle Kuzma's deal.
Middleton's departure from the Milwaukee Bucks was seen well ahead of time.
Between the forward's inability to stay healthy and the Bucks' pressure to build a contending team around Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee was forced to make tough decisions in order to improve.
Getting younger in the front court was a driving force for the Bucks to make a deal, but landing a talented player that could stay on the court was a need.
Obviously, for Washington, when the Bucks came calling about Kyle Kuzma, there was absolutely no reason for the Wizards not to listen.
The relationship had soured and it was clear that Kuzma was hoping to be shipped out ahead of the NBA trade deadline in February.
Middleton's contract was the best salary matcher the Bucks could send out without losing key pieces, and when former first-round pick AJ Johnson was thrown into the deal, it only added to the list of reasons why Washington's general manager Will Dawkins couldn't agree fast enough.
If Middleton showed that he could return to his former self and stay healthy, Washington would be able to trade him this offseason. If he didn't they'd still be landing a raw, yet talented young guard in Johnson.
However, Middleton opting into his $34.7 million player option earlier this offseason, it made it clear pretty fast that it would be a tall task for the Wizards to move on from Middleton.
The forward remains a liability when it comes to his durability to stay on the court, and between that and his huge contract, no team could warrant making a move for a veteran on that type of contract, even if they needed his help desperately.
It makes perfect sense why Middleton chose to opt-in to his player option this offseason when considering this was likely his last chance to earn a huge payday before becoming a veteran minimum guy when his contract is up,
Nonetheless, with that, Middleton has to understand that by accepting his player option, he's likely stuck in Washington this season unless he decides to work towards a buyout with the Wizards at some point this season.
Until then, Middleton seems like a lock to ride the season out in the DMV.