The Denver Nuggets have identified Khris Middleton as their top buyout target, according to insider Marc Stein, as the franchise looks to add wing depth alongside Nikola Jokic for the playoff stretch. Middleton is currently with the Dallas Mavericks, where he has posted 50.0/38.1/91.3 shooting splits across six games.
Bennett Durando of The Denver Post reported that the Nuggets are actively looking for players with size on the wing and ball-handling capabilities, a description that fits Middleton’s profile. Injuries to Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson have created a gap in Denver’s forward rotation that the three-time All-Star and 2021 NBA champion could fill.
Middleton averaging 14.5 points on 50/38/91 splits in six games with Dallas
Middleton has averaged 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game since joining the Mavericks. His 38.1% three-point shooting is in line with his career averages, and the 50% field goal mark and 91.3% free throw rate indicate he is shooting efficiently across all three levels despite the mid-season transition to a new team.
His championship experience with the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks and his track record of performing in playoff situations add to his appeal for a Nuggets team that has been built around postseason contention. Stein noted that Middleton may not be inclined to “ring chase” after already winning a title, meaning Denver would need to present a competitive and role-specific pitch rather than relying solely on the appeal of a contending roster.
Nuggets have gone 5-6 since Jokic’s return and slipped to fourth in the West despite top-ranked offense
Denver leads the league in offensive rating, points per game, and three-point percentage but has posted a 5-6 record since Jokic returned from a knee injury. That stretch has dropped the Nuggets to fourth in the Western Conference, creating urgency to add rotation depth before the playoff push.
However, the buyout itself is not guaranteed. “The rumbles to this point .. the leanings were that a buyout was probably unlikely,” Stein said. The decision rests with Middleton and the Mavericks on whether they reach a buyout agreement. If Middleton does become available, Denver’s need for a veteran wing who can shoot, handle the ball, and contribute in the playoffs makes the Nuggets a logical destination — but the Nuggets may need to pursue alternative options if the buyout does not materialize.