NBA Notes: Khris Middleton’s options, Kyrie’s rehab, Sabonis watch, Porzingis questions

Will Khris Middleton be a Maverick for the rest of the season? Or not much longer?

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Dallas has essentially left that call up to Middleton and his camp. The Mavericks would be open to negotiating a buyout, but they’re also comfortable keeping the veteran forward through the end of the year.

Middleton, 34, isn’t the same player who made three All-Star teams from 2019-22, but he’s been productive since arriving in Dallas. His 25-point, seven-rebound, seven-assist showing against the Pacers on Sunday was arguably his best game of the season.

Stein notes the Mavericks have told Middleton they’ll need shooting heading into the offseason, leaving open the possibility this relationship could extend beyond 2025-26. If Middleton does pursue a buyout, timing matters. Players waived after March 1 lose playoff eligibility with a new team.

A buyout would also come with restrictions. Middleton wouldn’t be eligible to sign with with the Cavaliers, Warriors, or Knicks due to apron rules, and he’d forfeit his Bird rights, which could matter when free agency arrives.

More from Stein

Mavericks: Dallas remains optimistic Kyrie Irving can participate in at least one or two full-speed practices before season’s end as he rehabs from a torn ACL. The Mavericks have several rare multi-day breaks in late March and early April that could allow for that kind of work.

Kings: Sacramento entertained trading Domantas Sabonis before the deadline, but league sources say an offseason deal isn’t a certainty. Much could hinge on lottery results and who the Kings select. The Raptors have been mentioned previously, and the Wizards pivoted elsewhere after landing Anthony Davis.

Warriors: Golden State hoped Kristaps Porzingis would click with the team — and its medical staff — after the deadline. That remains a work in progress, as Porzingis continues managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, leaving his long-term future in the Bay Area uncertain.