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Wizards Acquire Khris Middleton in Six-Team, 11-Player Trade

7/10/2026

Summary

Middleton Joins Wizards

The NBA completed a six-team, 11-player sign-and-trade on July 8, 2026 that sent Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards on a three-year, $17.6 million contract.
The Wizards used a $13.4 million trade exception, expiring July 9, to absorb Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million) and Middleton ($5.6 million), preserving their full mid-level exception.
Detroit and Memphis each created large trade exceptions—Detroit for $15 million and $5 million, Memphis for $28.9 million plus a $9.1 million buffer—to absorb multiple salaries.

Summary

Mavericks Retain TPE

Dallas retains a $20.8 million Traded Player Exception through 2026-27, allowing Mavericks to add a player without matching salaries.
President Masai Ujiri said the team may use the TPE before the season’s trade deadline to boost depth, mentioning Daniel Gafford and Klay Thompson.
Analysts view the TPE as the Mavericks’ upgrade tool after Middleton’s exit, with younger players like AJ Dybantsa, Marcus Sasser and rookie Morez Johnson Jr. filling roster spots.

Summary

Middleton Returns

The sign-and-trade returning Middleton to Washington awaits NBA league approval.
Middleton, who turns 35 next month, will rejoin the Wizards after his 2024-25 season, marking his third return.
Wizards officials say he will not take minutes from rookie AJ Dybantsa or other young wings, making him a mentor.
Analysts warn his addition could logjam the Wizards’ wing depth amid prospects Dybantsa, Kyshawn George, Will Riley and Bilal Coulibaly.

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Middleton Joins Wizards

The NBA completed a six-team, 11-player sign-and-trade on July 8, 2026 that sent Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards on a three-year, $17.6 million contract.
The Wizards used a $13.4 million trade exception, expiring July 9, to absorb Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million) and Middleton ($5.6 million), preserving their full mid-level exception.
Detroit and Memphis each created large trade exceptions—Detroit for $15 million and $5 million, Memphis for $28.9 million plus a $9.1 million buffer—to absorb multiple salaries.

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