According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Khris Middleton has made the decision to opt into his player option for next season. The Washington Wizards will have another year of the veteran forward.

The 33-year-old is set to make $33.3 million for the following season, as this will conclude his three-year deal worth $102 million. This deal was signed back in 2023 with the Milwaukee Bucks, this was two years before getting traded at the 2025 trade deadline.

Middleton will turn 34 in August, which is right around the corner.

Middleton averaged 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 14 appearances with Washington.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Milwaukee Bucks have traded Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma.

Official trade:

• Bucks:
• Kyle Kuzma
• Patrick Baldwin Jr.
• Second-rounder
• Wizards:
• Khris Middleton
• AJ Johnson
• Pick swap

With Milwaukee doing this deal, it drops them below the second apron and pairs Kuzma with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

Kuzma turned down the chance to be traded to the Dallas Mavericks at last season’s trade deadline. He’s been vocal about the direction of Washington for the past couple of weeks.

According to Chris Haynes, Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks have made the decision to bench Khris Middleton.

This choice comes after his reported return to the lineup after dealing with tendinitis in the ankle.

Despite him being moved to the bench, Milwaukee is designating the 33-year-old to a “reserve role.”

Taurean Prince will continue to get the start for the foreseeable future.

In 12 games, Middleton is averaging 12.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.