TITLE: Southwest Roundup: Middleton Weighs Buyout, Mavericks Freeze Ticket Prices, Spurs Stay Perfect, Smith Targets Return
SLUG: southwest-roundup-middleton-buyout-mavericks-ticket-freeze-spurs-streak-smith-ankle
CONTENT:
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said before Friday’s loss to Memphis that forward Khris Middleton is considering a buyout ahead of Sunday’s league-wide deadline, which would allow him to join another team and remain postseason-eligible. Kidd noted that the decision belongs to Middleton and that the club will support either choice, but he stressed that the 34-year-old must reach a conclusion quickly.
According to The Stein Line, Middleton is deciding whether to finish his expiring contract in Dallas or negotiate a buyout in order to sign with a contender; Denver and San Antonio are among the teams monitoring the situation. Scouts and executives told DallasHoopsJournal.com that while Middleton’s production slipped during his time in Washington, Dallas is giving him the freedom to rebuild his value. One front-office source said remaining with the Mavericks could be wiser because a buyout would cost him Bird rights and guaranteed minutes are not certain on a title-chasing roster.
The same executive added that a productive stretch run from Middleton could help Dallas win games but also complicate the club’s draft positioning, while praising the veteran’s locker-room presence and potential fit next season alongside Kyrie Irving and top prospect Cooper Flagg.
Mavericks Hold Ticket Prices Flat
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts told the team’s broadcast on Thursday that governor Patrick Dumont opted against raising ticket prices for the 2026-27 season after the club failed to meet on-court expectations. Welts said staff had prepared pricing proposals, but Dumont halted the discussion, indicating that fans should not pay more when results fell short.
Spurs Extend Winning Streak to 11
San Antonio’s 118-104 victory in Brooklyn on Thursday pushed the Spurs’ winning streak to 11 and sealed an undefeated February, the franchise’s third perfect month. Coach Mitch Johnson said the team is finding new ways to close games, calling it a sign of growth. Center Victor Wembanyama added that the month was far from flawless but still “satisfying” given the results. Athletic reporting highlighted that several different players fueled the streak, and the Spurs prevailed even when performances dipped.
Rockets’ Smith Aims for Thursday Return
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. missed Saturday’s contest in Miami with a right ankle sprain and will sit out Monday in Washington as well, the Houston Chronicle reported. The fourth-year player is targeting next Thursday’s matchup with Golden State for his return.
Source: Hoops Rumors
