The Washington Wizards approached the 2025 NBA trade deadline with a simple mentality. There was nothing they could do to salvage a season that was lost as soon as it began, but they could improve their future and change their identity.
In what could go down as one of the most important trades in franchise history, the Wizards accomplished that exact goal by swapping Kyle Kuzma for Khris Middleton.
Middleton arrived in Washington at a turbulent time in his individual career. Injuries have derailed the remarkable momentum he achieved when he helped the Milwaukee Bucks win the title in 2021, and his reputation around the NBA has subsequently taken a hit.
Talent was never the question, but concerns over availability and his $31 million salary inevitably resulted in Milwaukee deciding that it had a better chance of winning with a different player.
Thankfully for Washington, that enabled them to hit the reset button on the culture that had been created. Finally aware of how the previous vision failed, the Wizards prioritized leadership in the locker room and a youth movement that can develop under their guidance.
In the brief time he's spent time in Washington, Middleton has already helped change the way the young players approach the game.
Khris Middleton leading by example as Wizards embrace new mentality
By acquiring Middleton, the Wizards have brought in a player who understands what it takes to be a champion. Perhaps that's an old and tired narrative born from idealism, but there's something to be said about sacrificing for the team.
Middleton has done exactly that since arriving in Washington, averaging 0.36 charges drawn per game—0.22 more than any other player on the Wizards.
Long known for his willingness to put his body on the line in the spirit of making the right play, Middleton is showing his teammates what it takes to win. That's a valuable ability on a roster that entered the 2024-25 season with the 11th-lowest average of NBA seasons played.
More specifically, it could prove invaluable to potential cornerstones such as Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, AJ Johnson, and Alex Sarr—all of whom are 22 or younger.
Compounded by the fact that Middleton has not only won, but fueled his team's success in the playoffs, his perspective could prove invaluable. In fact, it already is. Washington is 6-8 when Middleton plays and 11-53 when he doesn't this season.
Injuries admittedly continue to be an issue, but the impact that Middleton is having on his teammates is already clear to see.
Middleton made his Wizards debut on Feb. 21. It boasted a winning percentage of .167 and ranked dead last in defensive rating at that time. Since Middleton's debut, however, the Wizards have posted a winning percentage of .333 and have ranked No. 20 in defensive rating.
That isn't exactly championship-winning play, but the addition of Middleton has led to an instant shift in the way the Wizards play and embrace the necessary attributes of what can eventually become a winning team.