Khris Middleton Returns To Wizards In Six-Team Sign-And-Trade

Khris Middleton is headed back to Washington, but not in a simple one-team transaction.

The veteran forward has agreed to a three-year, $17.6 million deal with the Wizards through a sign-and-trade that folds in the Mavericks, Wizards, Clippers, Pistons, Bucks and Grizzlies. Shams Charania reported that Dallas is sending Middleton to Washington as part of a larger six-team structure.

The move also connects several previously agreed pieces. John Collins, Gary Harris and Taurean Prince are tied to Detroit's side of the deal, Isaiah Stewart is involved with Memphis, Santi Aldama lands with Dallas, and Caris LeVert is part of the Bucks' return.

For Washington, the cleanest part is Middleton. He gives the Wizards a proven playoff wing and a familiar veteran after spending part of the last two seasons in D.C. The contract is modest by veteran-starter standards, and the first-year guarantee makes the framework workable.

The headline is messy because the trade is messy. Six teams, several smaller agreements, and one former All-Star moving again. Washington gets the name. The rest of the league gets another reminder that NBA cap work in July can turn one signing into a transaction tree.