When Khris Middleton arrived in Washington, his future on the Wizards was unclear.
Obviously, Washington traded for him with the thought process that he could be a capable veteran presence for the team's young core, but it was clear that the Wizards main motive behind the Wizards' blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the NBA trade deadline in February was to offload the contract of Kyle Kuzma.
If Middleton was able to use a change of scenery to his advantage by proving there was plenty left in the tank and his injury issues could be left in the past, Washington could find a way to offload the veteran forward to a playoff contender and flip another contract for additional compensation.
However, if he wasn't, Washington was aware that the most likely scenario that would play out would be the forward opting into his lucrative player option this offseason and sticking around the DMV for the foreseeable future.
The most likely scenario played out this offseason, which now leaves the Texas A&M product set to enter next season with the Wizards, where he'll serve as a key veteran for the young players on the roster.
At 34, it's fair to say Middleton would rather be in a situation to contend for an NBA championship as his career unfolds.
Despite that, the savvy vet seems that he's entering the season fully prepared to embrace his role on a rebuilding team.
In fact, Middleton took the time to share exactly what he loves about the Wizards young squad in a recent interview with The Athletic's Josh Robbins:
“These guys are eager to play, and that’s what basketball players want to be around, people that are energetic, happy about playing basketball, being around basketball,” Middleton told Robbins.
“That’s what I love about this group," Middleton continued. "They’re all young. They’re all learning. I just want to help guide them on their way. I don’t want to necessarily overstep and try to be the ‘super vet.’ I want to give them room and a path to let them grow and find their own journey, like my own vets did with me.”
Middleton may not be the star player he once was during the Bucks championship run in 2021, but as a player known for his professionalism, work ethic and knowledge of the game, Washington couldn't have a better veteran to mentor the Wizards core heading into next season.