Lakers, Warriors, and Cavs named possible landing spots for $93 million 3-time All-Star wing

Lakers, Warriors, and Cavs named possible landing spots for $93 million 3-time All-Star wing originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The legal tampering period of 2026 NBA Free Agency kicked off on Tuesday, and though a majority of the top players are off the market, there are still a plethora of options available for teams to choose from.

One of the most intriguing free agents remaining is Khris Middleton, who spent half of the 2025 campaign with the Washington Wizards and the other half with the Dallas Mavericks. The three-time All-Star averaged a little over 10 points per game on 42% from the field and 36% from three.

Though Middleton is past his prime and was a bit inefficient last year, the 34-year-old can still be a solid contributor on a contending squad, and should garner interest from teams that need shooting and savvy defense.

Lakers, Warriors, and Cavs linked to Khris Middleton in NBA free agency

Pro Football Network’s Cooper Kleinberg listed the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Cleveland Cavaliers as the top landing spots for Middleton.

“He [Middleton] was a key contributor with the Bucks years ago and, heading into his age-35 season, could look to join a contender,” Kleinberg wrote.

The Lakers have had an active free agency period, acquiring Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade, while also signing Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.

However, Los Angeles isn’t done, as they traded away center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards to clear more cap space. According to Marc Stein of the Stein Line, the Lakers are planning to use that space on a center and wing defender.

Middleton isn’t elite on defense, but the veteran is still a viable perimeter defender and knockdown shooter who would be a nice fit in JJ Redick’s rotation. Middleton is the perfect role player to have alongside Luka Doncic, whether he comes off the bench or has a spot in the starting lineup.

The Warriors and Cavs also make sense as possible destinations for Middleton, as both teams could use his 3-and-D skill set and years of playoff experience. However, with Golden State and Cleveland both pursuing LeBron James, it’s unlikely that either team will use much of their limited cap space until James makes a decision on his future.

Overall, Middleton should find a new home soon, likely with a contender where he can play a key role off the bench. Other than Los Angeles, Golden State, and Cleveland, the Miami Heat could also pursue Middleton, especially due to his connection with Giannis Antetokounmpo, dating back to their days with the Milwaukee Bucks.