The Washington Wizards are already big winners this summer. They picked up AJ Dybantsa in the NBA draft and traded for former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to join a star-studded young roster. As it turns out, however, they weren’t done.
In a move nobody saw coming, the Wizards also landed NBA veteran (and former NBA All-Star) Khris Middleton, who agreed to terms on a three-year, $17.6 million deal. He now joins a packed Wizards roster, which also includes Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and Bilal Coulibaly; but that’s not all.
“Free agent Khris Middleton has agreed on a three-year, $17.6 million deal with the Washington Wizards via sign-and-trade,” agent Mike Lindeman of Excel Sports Management told ESPN. “The 14-year veteran returns to D.C., where he spent parts of the last two seasons as a leader with championship presence.”
The agreement was part of a massive six-team NBA trade deal, also involving the Mavericks, Clippers, Pistons, Bucks, and Grizzlies. The deal includes previously agreed-upon deals, such as John Collins, Gary Harris, Taurean Prince, Isaiah Stewart, Santi Aldama, and Caris LeVert. It also involves D’Angelo Russell, who has been sent to the Grizzlies for a future second-round pick and a pick swap.
Full Trade Details
Washington Wizards Receive: Khris Middleton
Detroit Pistons Receive: John Collins, Gary Harris, Taurean Prince, three second-round picks, $14 million TPE (traded player exception)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Isaiah Stewart, D’Angelo Russell, AJ Johnson, future first-round pick, two future second-round picks
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, $5.6 million TPE (traded player exception)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Caris LeVert, two second-round picks
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: $9.1 million TPE (traded player exception)
Admittedly, it’s not the most league-shattering deal, but it changes the situation for several teams and players, even though no superstars were involved. The headline of the trade is undoubtedly Middleton, who brings veteran leadership and bench scoring to the rotation. In 63 games last season, he averaged 10.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.0 blocks per game on 40.4% shooting and 39.1% shooting from three.
The only thing more surprising than Middleton choosing the Wizards (of all teams) is that they offered him a long-term extension above the minimum. Nevertheless, they are confident that he can provide meaningful minutes on the wing.
The other most notable change is John Collins to the Pistons. He’ll provide a nice spark to the frontcourt alongside Jalen Duren. In 69 games last season, the 6’9″ power forward averaged 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on 55.2% shooting and 40.6% shooting from three.
Finally, for Memphis, the additions of Isaiah Stewart and D’Angelo Russell add some depth for their rebuild. In the wake of Ja Morant’s departure, it’s a complete identity overhaul for the franchise, and the only way forward is by tearing it down. At the very least, Stewart and Russell will help make things interesting as they navigate this new era.
While this trade won’t shake the NBA’s balance of power in a major way, it could be the first step in reshuffling the NBA hierarchy. In a league under these CBA rules, team-building is harder than ever, and big trades like this are necessary to facilitate major offseason moves.
