One important note... you're saying that pick #15 in next year's "strong draft" will be valuable, but next year is only considered a strong draft because of Flagg and Bailey at the top. From 3-15, it may in fact end up being utter , we just don't know yet. This year was actually supposed to be a strong year for PG prospects, but a lot of the top names (Collier, Wagner, Proctor) just ended up not living up to expectations. So I think the basic idea that maybe you're better off trading a potential #15 next year (ATL25) for Middleton, Portis and #22 this year isn't all that bad. If that ATL25 ends up being a top 2 pick however, then you're going to have some regrets of course.
I don't think
Chinook's idea is all that bad from a value perspective, I just don't like it because Middleton is a little TOO ripe on the vine for my liking AND I don't want 3 FRPs this year. I'm less concerned about Middleton opting out as I am him opting in, tbh. I think that $33MM in 2025-26 is going to be well above his market value at that point and he'll opt in and you're stuck with an old guy not worth his salary for a year.