Mavericks Weigh Draft and Kyrie Irving Decisions to Bolster Cooper Flagg
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The Dallas Mavericks head into the 2026 offseason focused on reinforcing their roster around standout rookie forward Cooper Flagg. With the No. 9, 30 and 48 selections in the 2026 NBA Draft, the club’s new leadership group—president Masai Ujiri and first-time general manager Mike Schmitz—will direct the effort.
Draft scout James Barlowe outlined potential moves in an interview with the Dallas Hoops Journal. He identified outside shooting as a priority and listed guard Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville), swingman Kingston Flemings (Houston), guard/forward Brayden Burries (Arizona) and forward Nate Ament (Tennessee) as candidates for the ninth pick. Barlowe labeled Brown the premier long-term guard prospect because of his shooting range and playmaking upside; ESPN’s Jeremy Woo slots Brown No. 7 on his big board, with Flemings at No. 8.
Barlowe emphasized that teams such as the Knicks, Spurs and Thunder have demonstrated the value of collecting players with size who can dribble, pass and shoot. He advised Dallas to select Brown if available, adding that Ujiri’s history shows a willingness to deviate from conventional roster-building rules.
The front office must also decide on veteran guard Kyrie Irving, who is expected to return from the ACL injury that sidelined him all season. Barlowe noted the Mavericks could keep Irving as a scorer and secondary playmaker next to Flagg, draft a complementary guard and transition future responsibilities to that rookie. He also suggested exploring the trade market for Irving to expand the young core.
Dallas may consider trading down from either pick No. 9 or 30 to add future assets. The franchise has limited access to upcoming draft capital after this summer, increasing the importance of every offseason decision surrounding Flagg.
Source: Hoops Rumors
