The Washington Wizards landed Khris Middleton in one of their biggest trades ahead of the NBA trade deadline in deal that was centered around Kyle Kuzma.
Middleton is a veteran presence who has plenty to offer, but he's yet to make his debut with his new team yet. Ahead of the All-Star break, it was announced that the team would be gearing up the 33-year-old to make his debut following the break.
At 9-45, the Wizards aren't playing towards anything besides the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft this offseason. With their priority set towards the development of their young core and players like Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George and even AJ Johnson who was involved in the deal for Middleton, the team truly has nothing to lose down the back half of the season.
As Middleton's debut nears, the Texas A&M product made his intentions with his new squad clear.
Middleton expects to impact winning with the Wizards
Middleton was once a key piece to a Milwaukee Bucks championship run in 2021. Four years later, the team opted to move on from the veteran and get younger at the wing position alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
As a result, it led the team to make a hard push for Kuzma which the Wizards were more than willing to move off of considering his inconsistent play, lucrative contract and growing frustration.
The former SEC standout is obviously not in his prime, and it's evident that general manager Will Dawkins made the move to land the vet to serve as a mentor to the team's young group. However, Middleton made it clear he's not here just to be a mentor.
"I'm here to be a basketball player. I'm here to win games, here to help win games however I can. I am going to be here as a mentor and whatnot, but I want Wizards fans to know that I'm not here just to be a mentor. I'm here to be a basketball player and compete out there and help win games."Khris Middleton
The Wizards first game following the All-Star break comes against Middleton's former team, the Bucks. Although it hasn't been determined if the forward will be available to make his debut yet, if he is, it won't be a shock to see him carry the chip on is shoulder into the matchup.
If Middleton doesn't make his debut on Friday, he'll have his next chance on the road in Orlando on Sunday.