Three‑time NBA All‑Star and 2021 champion Khris Middleton is making headlines once more, this time not for a milestone shot or clutch performance, but for a significant financial decision that reverberates from the hardwood of College Station to the corridors of the nation’s capital. Middleton, a proud alumnus of Texas A&M and a cornerstone of the current Washington Wizards roster, has officially exercised his $33.3 million player option for the 2025‑26 season, binding him to the Wizards’ colors for at least another year. Confirmed by ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania via X, this move marks a decisive moment for both player and franchise si.com+1yardbarker.com+1.
At 33 years old, Middleton has carved a reputation as a seasoned veteran whose statistical contributions and leadership transcend mere box‑score output. Following a mid‑February trade that saw him depart the Milwaukee Bucks and land in D.C. alongside Kyle Kuzma in a four‑team deal, he has adjusted swiftly to his new role. Over roughly half a season with the Wizards, Middleton has averaged a respectable 11.9 points, 4.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on 46 percent field goal accuracy and 38.7 percent from three, all while playing just over 22 minutes per contest si.com.
Those numbers reflect a seamless transition from being a primary offensive option to embracing a complementary, stabilizing presence. He has stepped into a mentorship capacity, guiding younger Wizards talents while still offering reliable production on both ends of the floor. As Washington continues its process of restructuring and growth, Middleton’s steadfast presence gives the organization balance and an experienced voice amid a roster of energetic but relatively inexperienced players.
To appreciate the weight of this $33.3 million option, one must return to Middleton’s storied NBA trajectory. Drafted 39th overall by Detroit in 2012, his rookie season was modest. However, once traded to Milwaukee, he quickly emerged as a pivotal piece alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. His All‑Star nods in 2019, 2020, and 2022 were emblematic of his rise. But it was the 2021 NBA Finals where Middleton truly made his mark, averaging 24 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 45 percent from the floor—even outpacing Giannis in Game 5—helping deliver Milwaukee its first NBA championship in 50 years si.com.
That 2021 Finals performance encapsulated Middleton’s ability to deliver under pressure and solidified his status as one of the league’s elite two‑way swingmen. Beyond the Finals, season after season, he averaged around 20 points per game, serving as the dependable Robin to Giannis’s Batman. Now, in Washington, Middleton has again showcased his adaptability, evolving into a mentor and primary veteran presence guiding the Wizards’ young core.
But this decision goes beyond statistics and locker room dynamics; it intertwines with Texas A&M’s legacy in the NBA. Though Middleton did not fade after college, his current success shines a continued spotlight on the Aggies. Selected for NBA Most Outlandish Performances a decade ago, Middleton averaged 14.4 PPG in his sophomore season at A&M and led the team to consecutive NCAA Tournament berths yardbarker.com+2si.com+2si.com+2. His ascent from College Station to the NBA elite underscores the pipeline that Texas A&M offers for future hopefuls.
The Aggies continue to produce professional talent. Middleton joins the likes of Alex Caruso, who captured two NBA titles—one in 2020 with the Lakers and another in 2025 with the Oklahoma City Thunder yardbarker.com+2si.com+2si.com+2—and DeAndre Jordan, who helped the Denver Nuggets win the 2023 championship si.com. These successes form part of a growing narrative that ties Texas A&M to high‑level pro basketball success.
Middleton’s decision to pick up his player option is equally strategic. At 33, while injuries have hampered his past seasons, including nagging back issues, he remains a capable rotational guard. The $33.3 million figure represents both a reward for his years of service and a calculated move: he avoids the uncertainty of free agency, secures a guaranteed salary, and gives both himself and the Wizards flexibility moving into 2026. If Middleton continues to play dependable basketball and stays healthy, this is a win‑win for both parties. If not, the one‑year deal limits risks and preserves cap flexibility for Washington in subsequent off‑seasons.
This move arrives on the heels of another milestone in Aggie history—Alex Caruso’s second ring in 2025 with the Thunder facebook.com+4si.com+4si.com+4. Together, they continue to elevate the Texas A&M brand. Recruiting efforts on campus receive a boost, the national media narrative ties back to College Station, and current players see firsthand proof that a path to NBA success exists through the Aggie program.
From the perspective of Washington Wizards fans, Middleton’s return offers stability. The franchise is in a rebuilding phase and has surrounded its young nucleus—led by the dynamic twin towers of Deni Avdija and Kyle Kuzma—with role players and veterans. Middleton’s experience, playoff pedigree, and professionalism make him a natural mentor. Young players can learn preparation, on‑court decision‑making, and resilience from a man whose résumé includes All‑Star appearances and a league championship.
From the front office’s lens, this move is also a market hedge. A one‑year veteran contract eliminates long‑term commitment concerns, especially as Washington balances emerging talent and financial flexibility. It positions the team to decide next summer if Middleton remains part of their long‑term vision or if they pivot toward full youth development—potentially leveraging Middleton’s cap space for other moves.
For Middleton himself, this chapter is telling. In Milwaukee, he was a respected star; in Washington, he has embraced a new role, proving his basketball IQ and team-first mentality. Choosing the player option conveys his belief that he can still impact games, guide teammates, and perhaps chase another playoff appearance. It also keeps an open door: if Washington thrives, the option for a new multi‑year deal exists. If not, Middleton remains free to explore a one‑year flier elsewhere or even have a starring offseason.
This decision resonates especially strongly in College Station. Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts and coach Bucky McMillan—from the men’s basketball side—have watched countless athletes aspire for pro careers. Middleton’s decision serves as both inspiration and validation. Other ambitious Aggies see a clear path: with right work ethic and choices, a Texas A&M player can be drafted in the second round, rise to All‑Star level, help win titles, adapt to new systems, and remain relevant deep into their thirties.
In the broader NBA landscape, veteran swingmen who reinvent themselves as contributors to growing teams are increasingly valuable. Middleton’s shift mirrors narratives like Serge Ibaka’s adaptation in Toronto or Trevor Ariza’s versatile role across multiple franchises. Though none can duplicate a 2021 Finals run, Middleton brings rare pedigree. His presence ensures Washington isn’t courting chaos or relying exclusively on youth; it injects calm and postseason aspiration into a rebuilding environment.
As the 2025‑26 season approaches, several storylines will emerge. Can the Wizards leverage Middleton’s leadership to exceed expectations? Will the team extend him beyond this single year? Can he avoid injury and maintain efficient production amid reduced minutes and a lesser offensive role than in Milwaukee?
If Middleton thrives, it may well serve as a launching pad for younger Aggies. His continued relevance—a $33 million deal—not only keeps Texas A&M at the center of mid‑career NBA discussions, it reinforces the message that A&M develops professionals who can remain impactful deep into their 30s.
Khris Middleton’s decision to stay in Washington for another season is more than detail in a contract log; it’s affirmation. It demonstrates respect for what he brings on and off the court. It validates the Wizards’ semi‑rebuilding blueprint by anchoring it with experience. And it highlights, yet again, the enduring resonance of Texas A&M within basketball circles.
From his days averaging double digits at Reed Arena to his standout Finals nights and now to D.C. stewardship, Middleton has typified professionalism. He’s a blueprint for drafting boards and locker room culture, a collector of trophies and goodwill alike.
As spring 2026 nears, so will the decision point. Will Middleton re‑sign, chase better contending fit elsewhere, or chart a different path? Whatever the outcome, this $33.3 million option season is bound to be rich in narrative. It is the next chapter of a career defined by adaptability, integrity, and success—and a chapter that continues to reflect proudly on Texas A&M’s role in shaping him.
In a league obsessed with youth and potential, Middleton offers a different allure: proven, resilient, and still ready to contribute. And for the Texas A&M community, that is worth celebrating.
