Dallas Mavericks weigh next steps after Luka Doncic deal leaves roster in flux
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The Dallas Mavericks, nine months removed from sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade, sit near the bottom of the Western Conference and are reassessing every path forward.
Uncertain front-office authority
Interim general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi replaced fired executive Nico Harrison last week, but it is unclear how much latitude they have to reshape the roster. With most offseason signings ineligible to be moved until Dec. 15, league sources do not expect immediate action.
Anthony Davis trade chatter
Anthony Davis, the centerpiece of the Doncic return, has appeared in only five games because of a left calf strain. Executives contacted by ESPN said interest exists despite Davis’ injury history and his three-year, $175 million extension that began this season. The 32-year-old could sign a four-year, $275 million extension on Aug. 6.
“It’s a $175 million gamble, maybe more, unless he proves he can stay healthy,” one Western Conference executive noted. Even so, several teams believe the eight-time All-Star would command offers, citing last year’s trade of 35-year-old Jimmy Butler III to Golden State as precedent.
Roster imbalance around Cooper Flagg
Davis’ presence has forced positional shuffles: P.J. Washington has slid to small forward, and rookie Cooper Flagg has logged backcourt minutes. Dealing Davis for perimeter help could realign roles and lower the average age of a group already trending older once Davis and Kyrie Irving return.
Health versus reality
Dallas ranks 29th in offensive efficiency and last in three-pointers made. Irving’s eventual return from an ACL tear would add elite ballhandling, but analysts project the offense would still lack shooting, especially in lineups featuring Davis, Flagg and a non-stretch center.
Lottery considerations
At 4-10, Dallas owns its 2026 first-round pick and could pivot toward the 2026 draft, which scouts describe as unusually deep. Top freshmen Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer headline a class expected to offer multiple franchise-level talents.
Financial constraints ahead
The Mavericks are $1.3 million below the second tax apron and project to pay a franchise-record $142 million repeater-tax bill. Exceeding the second apron again would eliminate the midlevel exception, restrict trade options and freeze their 2034 first-round pick if the team finishes the 2026-27 season above that line.
Dallas has 12 players under contract beyond this season, with only Dwight Powell, Dante Exum and Brandon Williams set for free agency. D’Angelo Russell holds a player option.
Whether through an Anthony Davis trade, a draft-focused reset or simply waiting for injured stars to heal, the Mavericks must decide which route best positions 18-year-old Cooper Flagg and the franchise for long-term success.
Source: ESPN
