Khris Middleton Buyout Looms for Wizards

Merlin sees the Wizards likely stuck with Khris Middleton through the Feb. 5 deadline. The Athletic's Josh Robbins reports "the general consensus among his sources is that Middleton will remain in Washington through the Feb. 5 trade deadline." Middleton earns $33.3 million, is averaging 9.8 points and shooting 32.5 percent from three, so finding a trade partner without sweeteners will be hard. Washington says it will "remain open to absorbing other teams' multi-year contracts if potential trade partners attach sweeteners such as future draft picks or intriguing young players," but a buyout looms as the cleanest option. Merlin notes age, injuries and reduced production make Middleton more buyout than blockbuster trade material. Contenders will watch and wait, preferring to sign him cheaply rather than give up assets. If a buyout happens, Middleton should be claimed quickly by a contender needing a veteran scorer and playmaker.