3 years, $17.6 million! Middleton returns to Wizards via sign-and-trade, continuing as veteran leader

According to Shams on July 8, Beijing time, Chris Middleton finalized a three-year, $17.6 million deal with the Washington Wizards via a sign-and-trade arrangement. The seasoned 14-year NBA player heads back to the nation's capital, having spent the last two seasons with the Wizards as a veteran leader boasting a championship résumé.

Shams reported that the Mavericks will send Middleton to the Wizards through a sign-and-trade as part of a large multi-team transaction involving six franchises: the Mavericks, Wizards, Clippers, Pistons, Bucks, and Grizzlies.

This massive deal consolidates several previously agreed-upon sub-moves among multiple teams. Player movements include John Collins, Gary Harris, and Taurean Prince heading to the Pistons; Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies; Santi Aldama joining the Mavericks; and Caris LeVert going to the Bucks.

Salary cap expert Marks later added that the Wizards hold a $13.4 million traded player exception from Kelly Olynyk, which expires on July 9, alongside a $8.1 million exception for Ayton and $5.3 million for Middleton. Marks noted that contracts signed via sign-and-trade must have a minimum term of three years, with only the first year's salary guaranteed.

Standing at 6'7", Middleton can play both shooting guard and small forward. He entered the league as the 39th pick in the second round of the 2012 draft, is a three-time All-Star, a key member of the Bucks' 2021 championship run, and an Olympic gold medalist from the Tokyo Games.

In college, he attended Texas A&M University, averaging 14.4 points as a sophomore and gaining recognition for his steady mid-range shooting and clutch mentality. Early in his NBA career, he struggled for playing time in Detroit before being traded to Milwaukee in 2013, where he fully realized his potential and became a dependable second option alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is the Bucks' all-time leader in three-pointers and ranks third in total scoring. Over his career, he averages 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, with a 38.5% three-point percentage and nearly 88% from the free-throw line. He excels at mid-range pull-ups, spot-up threes, and creating his own offense, often delivering 20-point performances in the playoffs, including a 42-point game—truly a big-game player.

Middleton's career accolades are impressive: three-time All-Star (2019, 2020, 2022) and the first All-Star from the G League; averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the 2020-21 playoffs, leading the Bucks to their first title in 50 years; also earned a spot on Team USA that same year, winning an Olympic gold medal. However, he has been plagued by knee and wrist injuries, missing several crucial playoff games, which have somewhat limited his ceiling.

Middleton plays with composure and strong mental toughness, efficiently scoring without requiring a high usage rate. He can serve as a secondary scoring option or thrive off the ball alongside superstars, making him a rare and versatile championship-caliber wing in the league.