The Dallas Mavericks head into the 2026 NBA offseason facing moderate expectations after a 26-56 campaign that followed one of the most turbulent stretches in franchise history.
Season Overview
The 2024-25 season delivered extremes, from winning the Cooper Flagg lottery to sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. By comparison, 2025-26 felt routine, although general manager Nico Harrison—architect of the Doncic trade—was dismissed in November.
Flagg, drafted first overall, exceeded hopes by claiming Rookie of the Year honors over former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel. The 19-year-old forward averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 70 games.
Injuries and Transactions
Veteran center Anthony Davis, acquired in the Doncic blockbuster, appeared in only 20 regular-season contests because of ongoing health issues. Co-interim general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi traded the 33-year-old to the Washington Wizards at February’s deadline after just 29 total games as a Maverick.
Further setbacks piled up: second-year center Dereck Lively II missed the year with foot problems, and guard Kyrie Irving sat out the entire season while recovering from a March 2025 ACL tear. Dallas lost 23 of its first 35 games and quickly fell from playoff contention.
Bright Spots
The injury wave opened minutes for several young contributors. Wing Max Christie, forward Naji Marshall and rookie guard Ryan Nembhard all logged extended roles alongside Flagg.
Current Roster and Assets
Despite recent upheaval, the club still employs key members of its 2024 NBA Finals roster—Irving, center Daniel Gafford and forward P.J. Washington—while holding the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft. Because the Mavericks control their own first-round selection only through 2026 (their next unencumbered pick arrives in 2031), a full teardown appears unlikely.
A New Front Office Direction
The franchise’s outlook now rests with newly hired president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri, who brings championship credentials from Toronto. Ujiri’s first summer will revolve around integrating a healthy Irving and Lively, supporting Flagg’s rapid rise and deciding whether the current mix can reenter the Western Conference playoff picture as early as 2027.
Source: Hoops Rumors
