Insider wonders if Khris Middleton buyout could lure him back to Central Division

Milwaukee Bucks fans have wondered for months if Khris Middleton would possibly return to the Central Division to play for the team he won a championship with. With buyout chatter intensifying, that speculation has only heated up. However, NBA insider Marc Stein, appearing on SiriusXM NBA Radio, wonders if a different Central Division team would make more sense.

"I have to think there are a handful of contenders, playoff-bound teams, and I would have to think the Pistons are among them wondering, if there’s any chance they could convince Khris Middleton to pursue a buyout?"

Middleton on the Pistons would be a full circle moment

While he's primarily associated with the Milwaukee Bucks, Middleton actually started his NBA career with the Pistons. The forward spent his rookie year in Detroit for the 2012-13 season before he was dealt to Milwaukee in the Brandon Jennings trade. Somehow, the filler piece of a trade became the most important piece of the whole deal. The rest is history.

A return to Detroit would make sense for more than just nostalgic reasons for Khris Middleton.

The Pistons currently own the best record in the Eastern Conference, and the next closest team is 5.5 games behind them. Even if they don't have the hard-earned experience, Detroit is a great team with a shot at making a deep run this season. If Middleton asks for a buyout from Dallas, who is out of the playoff picture right now, he'd almost certainly want to go somewhere where he could compete.

On top of just the environment, Middleton could also beef up Detroit's bench. On the season, they are below average in bench assists per game and 3-point percentage. Middleton, a pristine shooter and quality secondary facilitator, could immediately give the Pistons some help in both regards as they gear up for a playoff push.

The fit makes plenty of sense. Sure, plenty of Milwaukee Bucks fans would love to see him return to the 414, but even with their recent wins, they are out of the playoff picture right now. One would think Middleton wants to join a team with higher playoff odds, especially where there would be minutes for him. It would still sting to see him join a team in the same division, without question.

For any of this to come to fruition, Middleton will first have to seek a buyout. As Stein (subscription required) reported previously, the Mavericks will let the forward decide whether he wants to stay or go. If he's willing to give back a little money, then all of this chatter will suddenly intensify. He has to make a decision before March 1, so the clock is ticking. Plenty of teams are watching closely.

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