According to NBA insider Marc Stein on Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks have left the decision of Khris Middleton's future to him. He must decide by March 1st whether to continue playing for the Mavericks or seek a buyout and join a playoff team as a free agent.

The 34-year-old Khris Middleton is a 2.01-meter tall, 101-kilogram forward who entered the NBA in 2012 as a second-round pick. He previously played for the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Washington Wizards before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks this February.

According to ESPN statistics, Middleton has played a total of 814 regular season games in his career, averaging 16.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, with a field goal percentage of 44.1% and a three-point percentage of 34.2%. He has also played 80 playoff games, averaging 20.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, and won the NBA championship with his team in 2021.

The Mavericks are currently in the early stages of a rebuild and are ranked 12th in the Western Conference with a record of 21 wins and 36 losses. Given that the team is not yet a championship contender, the Mavericks management is inclined to respect Middleton's personal wishes.

If Middleton decides to stay, he will still have a place in the Mavericks' rotation. If a buyout agreement is reached, several teams currently vying for a playoff spot, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Houston Rockets, could become Middleton's next destination.

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