Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Khris Middleton is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards in the NBA. Born James Khristian Middleton on August 12, 1991, in Charleston, South Carolina, he developed into one of the league’s most accomplished forwards after playing college basketball at Texas A&M University. A three-time NBA All-Star, Middleton helped the Milwaukee Bucks win the 2021 NBA championship and earned an Olympic gold medal with the United States national team.
Beyond his basketball achievements, Khris Middleton is a father of two who has built a family with his longtime partner, Samantha Dutton. Their children are a daughter named Audrielle Middleton and a younger son whose name has been kept private. Middleton’s parents are James Middleton and Nichelle Middleton, while his only publicly identified sibling is his older sister, Brittney Middleton-Ogike, an entrepreneur in the beauty industry. His family has played an important role in his development, from his childhood in Charleston to his successful NBA career.
Khris Middleton’s Wife or Girlfriend: Who Is Samantha Dutton?
Khris Middleton’s longtime partner is Samantha Dutton, an American educator and former communications professional who has supported the NBA player throughout much of his professional career.
Although several sports publications identify Samantha as Middleton’s wife, the couple has maintained considerable privacy regarding their relationship. Reliable reporting confirms that they share two children, but a specific wedding date and location have not been independently established.
Samantha comes from Michigan and has a professional background in education, communications, and youth development.
According to a December 2024 profile published by EssentiallySports, she attended West Bloomfield High School before studying journalism at Oakland University.
She subsequently worked in communications and community management, including positions associated with CLUBHAUS in Detroit and Volkswagen Group of America.
Samantha also became involved in education and youth mentorship through the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit.
Her professional interests reflect a commitment to education and helping young people develop important life skills.
Despite being connected to a prominent NBA player, Samantha generally avoids extensive media attention and maintains a relatively private lifestyle.
How Did Khris Middleton and Samantha Dutton Meet?
Khris Middleton and Samantha Dutton reportedly began their romantic relationship around 2016, when Middleton was already playing professional basketball for the Milwaukee Bucks.
However, the couple has not publicly provided a detailed account of their first meeting.
Their relationship became more visible in 2017, when Middleton shared photographs involving Samantha through social media.
At the time, Middleton was establishing himself as an important member of the Bucks’ roster alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
As his basketball career progressed, Samantha remained part of his personal life.
The relationship attracted additional public attention in April 2019, when the couple welcomed their first child, Audrielle.
Two years later, their family expanded with the birth of a son in July 2021.
Throughout these milestones, Middleton has generally avoided discussing intimate details of his relationship, preferring to focus public attention on basketball and his responsibilities as a father.
Are Khris Middleton and Samantha Dutton Married?
Khris Middleton and Samantha Dutton have frequently been described as husband and wife in sports reporting.
In an October 2021 interview with The Athletic, Middleton referred to Samantha as his wife while discussing the birth of their son and his participation in the Tokyo Olympics.
However, there is no widely verified public announcement establishing the exact date or location of their wedding.
Some publications continue describing Samantha as his longtime girlfriend or partner, while others identify her as his wife.
For that reason, Samantha is most accurately described as Middleton’s longtime partner, who has also been publicly referred to as his wife.
As of now, the couple remains known for their relationship and their two children, although they keep most details of their private lives away from public attention.
How Samantha Dutton Supported Khris Middleton’s Olympic Dream
One of the most significant examples of Samantha’s support occurred in July 2021, when Middleton faced a difficult decision shortly after winning the NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on July 20, 2021, securing the franchise’s first championship in 50 years.
Only hours later, on July 21, Samantha gave birth to the couple’s second child, a baby boy.
Middleton had already committed to representing the United States at the Tokyo Olympics, which were held in 2021 after being postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the birth of his son made him reconsider traveling to Japan.
In an interview with The Athletic, Middleton explained that he wanted to remain at home with Samantha and their newborn child rather than leave immediately after the birth.
Samantha encouraged him to honor his commitment to the national team, reminding him that competing in the Olympics was a rare professional opportunity.
She assured him that she would manage the family’s responsibilities while he represented the United States.
Middleton ultimately traveled to Tokyo, where he helped Team USA win the gold medal.
He later expressed appreciation for Samantha’s encouragement, explaining that her support allowed him to achieve one of his greatest professional ambitions.
The experience demonstrated the importance of their relationship during a period when Middleton was balancing major basketball achievements with the responsibilities of fatherhood.
Khris Middleton’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Khris Middleton has two publicly confirmed children with Samantha Dutton: a daughter named Audrielle Middleton and a younger son whose name has not been publicly disclosed.
Audrielle was born on April 23, 2019, while their son was born on July 21, 2021.
Both births occurred during important moments in Middleton’s basketball career.
His daughter’s arrival came during Milwaukee’s 2019 NBA playoff campaign, while his son was born shortly after the Bucks won the 2021 NBA championship.
Middleton has discussed how becoming a father changed his priorities and helped him appreciate life beyond professional basketball.
Audrielle Middleton: Khris Middleton’s Daughter
Audrielle Middleton is Khris Middleton’s eldest child and his daughter with Samantha Dutton.
She was born on April 23, 2019, during the Milwaukee Bucks’ successful first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons.
Her arrival became a memorable moment for Middleton because of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her birth.
How Khris Middleton Almost Missed His Daughter’s Birth
On April 22, 2019, Middleton was in Detroit preparing to play Game 4 of Milwaukee’s first-round playoff series against the Pistons.
Meanwhile, Samantha was in Milwaukee, where she unexpectedly went into labor.
The situation was complicated by the Bucks’ demanding playoff schedule and the distance between Detroit and Milwaukee.
After Milwaukee completed a 127-104 victory over Detroit, Middleton needed to return home as quickly as possible.
According to reporting by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry helped arrange transportation on his private aircraft.
Middleton traveled back to Milwaukee and reached the hospital in time for Audrielle’s birth on April 23.
The experience was particularly emotional because Middleton had spent the previous evening competing in an important playoff game.
His return demonstrated how much being present for his daughter’s arrival meant to him.
Audrielle subsequently became an important part of Middleton’s life outside basketball.
Although she has occasionally appeared in photographs involving her father, her parents generally protect her privacy.
Khris Middleton’s Son: Born After the 2021 NBA Championship
Khris Middleton and Samantha Dutton welcomed their second child, a son, on July 21, 2021.
The birth occurred just hours after the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns to win the NBA championship.
Middleton had played an important role in Milwaukee’s championship victory, helping the franchise win its first NBA title since 1971.
Following the celebrations, he returned home before accompanying Samantha to a hospital in Milwaukee early the next morning.
According to The Athletic, Middleton took Samantha to the hospital at approximately 7 a.m. on July 21.
Their son was born later that day.
Middleton remained with Samantha and their newborn child before attending the Bucks’ championship parade on July 22.
He then returned to the hospital and prepared for his journey to Japan with the United States Olympic basketball team.
His son’s birth became one of the defining personal moments of an extraordinary summer that included an NBA championship and Olympic gold medal.
Although Middleton discussed the experience publicly, he declined to reveal his son’s name during interviews.
The family has continued maintaining privacy regarding the child’s personal information.
How Fatherhood Changed Khris Middleton’s Life
Becoming a father introduced new responsibilities and priorities for Khris Middleton.
Before welcoming his children, his professional schedule was largely centered on basketball practices, games, travel, and physical preparation.
After Audrielle’s birth in 2019, he began balancing those commitments with the responsibilities of raising a child.
The arrival of his son in July 2021 added another dimension to his family life.
In his interview with The Athletic, Middleton discussed how difficult it was to leave Samantha and their newborn son to compete at the Olympics.
He explained that becoming a father again was just as meaningful as achieving success in professional basketball.
Following his return from Japan, he began participating more regularly in everyday parenting responsibilities.
Middleton recalled waking during the night to help care for his son while also trying to settle Audrielle when she woke up.
Although those experiences involved interrupted sleep and new challenges, he described them as rewarding parts of family life.
As of now, Middleton has two publicly confirmed children. There have been no reliable announcements establishing that he and Samantha have welcomed additional children.
Khris Middleton’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Khris Middleton was born to James Middleton and Nichelle Middleton in Charleston, South Carolina.
His parents raised Khris and his older sister, Brittney, in a family environment that emphasized discipline, education, personal responsibility, and hard work.
Both parents supported his interest in basketball from an early age, particularly as he began participating in competitive youth basketball programs.
His father played an especially visible role in his athletic development, organizing opportunities for him to train against stronger opponents.
His mother also provided emotional support, helping him navigate the challenges associated with competitive basketball.
Khris Middleton’s Father: James Middleton
James Middleton is Khris Middleton’s father and one of the most influential people in his basketball development.
He raised his family in Charleston, South Carolina, and encouraged Khris to develop discipline and confidence through sports.
James became particularly involved in his son’s basketball training when Khris was approximately 12 years old.
At the time, Middleton was beginning to show promise as a young basketball player, but his father believed he needed to experience stronger competition.
James arranged for him to practice with a competitive Amateur Athletic Union basketball program based in Atlanta, Georgia.
The decision became an important turning point in Middleton’s development.
How James Middleton Helped His Son Become an NBA Player
In a February 2019 ESPN feature written by Zach Lowe, James Middleton explained how he began taking his son from Charleston to Atlanta to practice against more physically developed basketball players.
The journey required driving several hours between South Carolina and Georgia.
Middleton was initially intimidated by the competition because many players were taller, stronger, and more athletic than he was.
Some of his opponents could already dunk, while Khris had not yet developed the physical abilities necessary to compete at the same level.
After difficult practices, he sometimes became emotional during the drive home.
Rather than allowing him to give up, James encouraged his son to continue training and learn from the experience.
During their journeys, father and son frequently stopped at Fuddruckers in Columbia, South Carolina.
The restaurant became a place where James helped Khris recover from disappointing practices and regain his confidence.
According to ESPN, James allowed his son to choose his meal while encouraging him to become mentally stronger.
Those conversations helped Khris understand that struggling against talented opponents was part of his development.
He continued returning to Atlanta, sometimes traveling multiple times per week for basketball training.
The demanding schedule eventually helped him improve his confidence, skills, and competitive mentality.
James Middleton’s Backyard Basketball Lessons
James Middleton also helped his son develop basketball skills at the family’s home in Charleston.
According to ESPN, father and son frequently competed in one-on-one basketball games in their backyard.
James deliberately challenged Khris rather than allowing him to win easily.
He regularly forced his son to use his weaker left hand, helping him develop better ball-handling and scoring abilities.
The family basketball hoop was positioned near a large oak tree, whose branches sometimes interfered with shooting.
When Khris asked his father to remove the branches, James encouraged him to learn how to shoot around the obstacles.
The unusual training environment helped develop Middleton’s creativity and ability to make difficult shots.
Those skills later became important elements of his professional basketball game.
Middleton eventually became known for his controlled footwork, midrange jump shots, and ability to score over defenders without relying exclusively on speed or athleticism.
His father’s approach encouraged patience, adaptability, and attention to detail.
James Middleton’s Role During Khris’s College and NBA Career
James remained involved when Khris began attracting attention from college basketball recruiters.
During his junior year at Porter-Gaud School, the family arranged a visit to Texas A&M University while traveling to Louisiana for a family event.
The visit helped Middleton establish a relationship with the university’s coaching staff.
Texas A&M eventually offered him a basketball scholarship.
Middleton committed to the university and began his college career in 2009.
James continued supporting his son throughout college and during the 2012 NBA Draft.
Although Middleton had initially been projected as a possible first-round selection, he fell into the second round.
According to ESPN, father and son became increasingly disappointed as teams continued selecting other prospects.
Eventually, the Detroit Pistons chose Middleton with the 39th overall pick.
James remained a source of encouragement as his son began professional basketball and later developed into an NBA All-Star.
His involvement demonstrated that Middleton’s success was built through years of family support rather than a single breakthrough moment.
Khris Middleton’s Mother: Nichelle Middleton
Nichelle Middleton is Khris Middleton’s mother and another central figure in his upbringing.
She raised Khris and his older sister, Brittney, alongside their father in Charleston, South Carolina.
Although Nichelle has generally maintained a more private life than her husband, she supported her son’s development throughout childhood and adolescence.
Her influence was particularly important in helping him balance basketball with education and personal responsibilities.
While James frequently organized competitive training sessions, Nichelle provided encouragement and helped maintain a supportive home environment.
In ESPN’s 2019 profile, James recalled how he tried to motivate Khris during difficult basketball trips while remaining mindful of his wife’s concern for their son.
The family worked together to help Khris develop confidence and perseverance.
Nichelle also supported his education at Porter-Gaud School, where he developed into one of South Carolina’s leading high school basketball players.
When Middleton eventually joined Texas A&M, his family continued following his progress.
His mother remained an important member of the support system that helped him navigate college basketball and professional life.
Reliable information about Nichelle’s professional occupation and other personal details remains limited, as she generally stays outside the media spotlight.
Khris Middleton’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Khris Middleton has one publicly identified sibling, an older sister named Brittney Middleton, also known as Brittney Middleton-Ogike.
Her identity is confirmed in Middleton’s official Team USA biography, which lists his parents and older sister.
Brittney has established her own professional career outside basketball, becoming an entrepreneur in the beauty industry.
Brittney Middleton-Ogike: Khris Middleton’s Older Sister
Brittney Middleton-Ogike is Khris Middleton’s older sister and the founder of BeautyBeez, a beauty retail business developed to provide inclusive beauty and personal-care products.
She grew up with Khris in Charleston, South Carolina, where their family emphasized education, personal development, and hard work.
Although her younger brother became a professional basketball player, Brittney pursued business and entrepreneurship.
She eventually moved to California and developed an interest in creating a beauty retail business focused on underserved consumers.
Her professional achievements attracted attention from business publications and organizations involved in promoting Black-owned companies.
Brittney Middleton’s Beauty Business
Brittney founded BeautyBeez, a beauty retail company with an online presence and a physical store in the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles.
The business focused on offering beauty and personal-care products for consumers with different hair textures, skin tones, and cultural backgrounds.
According to reporting published in 2020, Brittney wanted to provide customers with access to products that were not always available through traditional beauty supply stores.
Her company emphasized healthier beauty alternatives, customer education, and products developed by diverse brands.
Brittney has also been associated with BraidHouse, another name appearing in more recent reporting about her beauty business activities.
Beyond entrepreneurship, she has professional experience in sports management.
Her background demonstrates that the Middleton family’s achievements extend beyond basketball.
How Khris Middleton Supported His Sister’s Business
Khris Middleton has publicly supported his sister’s entrepreneurial career.
According to reporting about BeautyBeez, Middleton became an investor in Brittney’s business.
He also appeared in promotional campaigns highlighting her work and the importance of supporting small businesses.
In March 2022, the NBA G League and LegalZoom featured Brittney in a campaign recognizing women entrepreneurs.
The video highlighted her work developing BeautyBeez while also featuring Khris’s support for her business ambitions.
Middleton expressed pride in his sister’s accomplishments and encouraged consumers to recognize the work of entrepreneurs building independent companies.
The collaboration demonstrated the close relationship between the siblings despite their different professional paths.
While Khris achieved recognition through professional basketball, Brittney established herself through business and community engagement.
Does Khris Middleton Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public information identifying a brother of Khris Middleton.
His official Team USA biography lists one older sister, Brittney, as his sibling.
Although Middleton has several relatives involved in basketball, including cousins who played professionally and at the collegiate level, those relatives should not be confused with his siblings.
As of now, Brittney remains his only publicly confirmed brother or sister.
Khris Middleton’s Extended Family: Cousins and Grandparents
Khris Middleton’s family has connections to basketball and education that extend beyond his immediate household.
His official Team USA biography identifies two cousins with notable basketball backgrounds: Josh Powell and Kenny Manigault.
His grandmother, Juanita Middleton, also played an important role in his family and community life.
Josh Powell: Khris Middleton’s NBA Cousin
Josh Powell is Khris Middleton’s cousin and a former NBA player who enjoyed a professional career as a power forward and center.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Powell played college basketball at North Carolina State University before beginning his professional career.
He represented several NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Atlanta Hawks.
Powell’s most significant professional achievements came with the Lakers.
He was a member of the Los Angeles teams that won consecutive NBA championships in 2009 and 2010.
His success gave the Middleton family another connection to professional basketball.
Years later, Khris followed a similar path by winning his own NBA championship with Milwaukee in 2021.
Kenny Manigault: Khris Middleton’s Basketball Cousin
Kenny Manigault is another of Khris Middleton’s cousins who pursued competitive basketball.
Manigault played high school basketball in South Carolina before joining Wichita State University’s basketball program.
According to Middleton’s official Team USA biography, the cousins also played together on the Carolina Celtics, an Amateur Athletic Union basketball team.
The connection allowed them to compete together during their teenage years.
Although their professional careers followed different paths, both developed their abilities through competitive basketball in South Carolina.
Juanita Middleton: Khris Middleton’s Grandmother
Juanita Middleton is Khris Middleton’s grandmother and a respected educator in Charleston, South Carolina.
She played an important role in his upbringing and helped him understand the importance of community service, education, and supporting others.
In July 2015, Middleton wrote a personal article for The Players’ Tribune discussing the devastating shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.
In the article, he explained that his grandmother had spent decades working as an educator and school principal in the Charleston area.
Her professional work involved teaching and mentoring young people, including students attending schools facing significant social challenges.
Middleton described how frequently people in Charleston recognized and greeted his grandmother because of her involvement in education.
He also explained that Juanita personally knew several victims of the June 2015 church shooting.
The tragedy deeply affected the family and reinforced Middleton’s commitment to supporting his hometown.
His grandmother’s influence contributed to his appreciation for community relationships and charitable activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Khris Middleton’s Family
Who is Khris Middleton’s girlfriend?
Khris Middleton’s longtime partner is Samantha Dutton, an American educator and former communications professional. The couple has been together for several years and shares two children.
Who is Khris Middleton’s wife?
Samantha Dutton has been identified as Khris Middleton’s wife in sports reporting, including an interview with The Athletic. However, the couple has not publicly confirmed a specific wedding date or location.
Is Khris Middleton married?
Middleton and Samantha Dutton have been described as husband and wife in published interviews. However, publicly verified details of their marriage ceremony are unavailable.
How many children does Khris Middleton have?
Khris Middleton has two publicly confirmed children: a daughter named Audrielle and a younger son.
Who is Khris Middleton’s daughter?
His daughter is Audrielle Middleton, who was born on April 23, 2019.
Does Khris Middleton have a son?
Yes. Khris Middleton welcomed a son on July 21, 2021, shortly after winning the NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. His son’s name has not been publicly disclosed.
Who is the mother of Khris Middleton’s children?
Samantha Dutton is the mother of Khris Middleton’s two children, Audrielle and their younger son.
Who are Khris Middleton’s parents?
Khris Middleton’s parents are James Middleton and Nichelle Middleton. They raised him and his older sister in Charleston, South Carolina.
Who is Khris Middleton’s father?
His father is James Middleton, who helped develop his basketball skills through demanding youth basketball training sessions and regular one-on-one practice.
Who is Khris Middleton’s mother?
His mother is Nichelle Middleton, who raised him in Charleston and supported his basketball development throughout childhood and college.
How many siblings does Khris Middleton have?
Khris Middleton has one publicly confirmed sibling, an older sister named Brittney Middleton-Ogike.
Who is Khris Middleton’s sister?
His older sister is Brittney Middleton-Ogike, an entrepreneur associated with the beauty retail businesses BeautyBeez and BraidHouse.
Does Khris Middleton have a brother?
No brother is identified in his official Team USA biography. His only publicly documented sibling is his older sister, Brittney.
Is Khris Middleton related to Josh Powell?
Yes. Former NBA player Josh Powell is Khris Middleton’s cousin. Powell won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010.
Who is Khris Middleton’s cousin Kenny Manigault?
Kenny Manigault is another of Middleton’s cousins. He played college basketball at Wichita State University and competed alongside Khris on the Carolina Celtics AAU basketball team.
Who is Khris Middleton’s grandmother?
His grandmother is Juanita Middleton, a longtime educator and former school principal in Charleston, South Carolina.
Where is Khris Middleton’s family from?
Khris Middleton was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, where his parents, sister, and extended family have longstanding connections.
What is Khris Middleton’s full name?
His full name is James Khristian Middleton. He was born on August 12, 1991.
What college did Khris Middleton attend?
Khris Middleton attended Texas A&M University, where he played basketball for the Aggies from 2009 to 2012.
Has Khris Middleton won an NBA championship?
Yes. Khris Middleton won the 2021 NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks.
What team does Khris Middleton play for?
As of now, Khris Middleton plays for the Washington Wizards. He returned to the franchise in July 2026 after a transaction involving the Dallas Mavericks.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
