The Washington Wizards have officially made another offseason move and to say this one was unexpcted would be an understatement.
According to NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Wizards have signed Khris Middleton to a three-year, $17.6 million deal to bring the veteran forward back to D.C. just five months after being traded.
Within the deal, the Wizards are trading D'Angelo Russell to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the reported six-team trade in order to bring in Middleton.
As part of the elaborate six-team trade, the Washington Wizards are sending D'Angelo Russell, a future second-round pick and a future second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/J7qwUL5n7r
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2026
Middleton was moved to Dallas as the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade to land Anthony Davis in the DMV, which now makes the Mavericks' return for the two-way big man that much more disappointing.
Obviously, at 34, Middleton is nowhere near the player he once was, but considering an abundance of contending teams were eyeing the veteran forward on the open market, it's very telling that the Wizards were the team that managed to step up to the plate and ink the playmaker to a deal.
Signing Middleton to a deal with a yearly salary of roughly $5.8 million essentially inks the wing to the Bi-Annual Exception, which alone is more enticing than a veteran minimum offer that teams like the Miami Heat were likely offering.
In the same breath, though, for a vet hoping to contend, coming back to the Wizards proves that Washington has real intentions to make a run next year.
Wizards signing Khris Middleton proves how high expectations are
The Wizards already have high hopes entering next season with a loaded young roster, highlighted by reigning No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, set to be led by All-Stars Trae Young and Davis.
Washington is days removed from adding Deandre Ayton to bolster the team's backup center position, and now the team's next move comes by way of adding a veteran forward who will not only serve as an ideal mentor to the core and Dybantsa, but who can play meaningful minutes for Brian Keefe.
Between his stops with the Wizards and Mavericks last year, the Texas A&M product averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists on 40.4% shooting from the field and 39.1% from three in 63 games.
Middleton offers the Wizards not only a reliable bench presence but a steady vet who can step into the starting lineup when needed.
Washington clearly has their sights set on a playoff run next season with their new-look foundation, and the fact that Middleton bought into the vision proves exactly that.
The Wizards' offseason moves continue to suggest Dawkins and the front office aren't taking a cautious approach this offseason, but instead are loading up to potentially make a run.
Add us as a preferred source on Google