With Kyrie Irving back and new talent added, the Mavericks are retooling for the upcoming season
Category: Sports
The Dallas Mavericks have made substantial changes to their roster in preparation for the upcoming NBA season, emphasizing a strategy centered around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. The team has seen a notable upgrade, thanks to the return of Kyrie Irving from injury, the development of Flagg, and the infusion of youthful talent, as reported on July 23, 2026.
Over the past few months, Mavericks’ basketball operations leaders Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz have worked diligently to revamp the roster. This effort has included long hours and strategic decisions aimed at creating a competitive team. The result is a roster that, on paper, appears significantly improved compared to last season.
Coach Dusty May has expressed plans to utilize Flagg in various positions, maximizing his skill set across the court. Flagg's growth over the past year is expected to play a key role in the Mavericks' offensive and defensive strategies as they move through the offseason and into training camp.
As of now, the Mavericks have 19 players under contract, with a limit of 20 during the offseason. This number must be trimmed to 15 standard contracts and three two-way players by the start of the regular season. Currently, 16 players hold full contracts, indicating that some trades or waivers are likely necessary before the season begins.
The Mavericks' roster depth includes a mix of established players and promising newcomers. At point guard, Irving's return is a game-changer; he missed all of last season recovering from ACL surgery. His experience and intelligence on the court are expected to be invaluable, even if he has lost a step physically. Alongside Irving, Marcus Sasser and Sergio De Larrea will compete for minutes, with Sasser having shown promise as a rookie.
In the shooting guard position, the Mavericks boast Max Christie, Klay Thompson, Tarik Biberovic, and Caleb Martin. Christie, who averaged 40.4 percent from three-point range last season, is expected to take on a larger role. Thompson, adapting to a sixth-man role, is also in the final season of his contract, adding intrigue to his performance.
The small forward position is highlighted by Flagg, who averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season. He is joined by Naji Marshall and Zaccharie Risacher, the latter being another No. 1 draft pick. Marshall is expected to contribute significantly, having averaged 15.2 points last season.
At power forward, P.J. Washington and Santi Aldama provide versatility, with both players capable of stretching the floor. Washington, known for his consistent scoring, and Aldama, who has shown steady improvement, will be key components in the frontcourt.
In the center position, the Mavericks have Morez Johnson Jr., Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Moussa Cissé. Johnson, a rookie, is currently ahead of Lively due to health concerns. Gafford is noted for his shot-blocking ability and could be a starter, depending on how the roster shapes up.
The Mavericks' decision to retool the roster comes at a time when the team is looking to maximize its potential around Flagg. The franchise has recognized the need to adapt its strategy, particularly in light of Flagg's shooting limitations. The focus is on acquiring players who can shoot effectively, which has led to speculation about trading away non-shooters.
With the addition of Morez Johnson Jr. as the ninth pick in the draft and trades for Aldama and Risacher, the Mavericks have created a crowded frontcourt. This has prompted discussions about potential trades for veteran players such as P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, both of whom are among the highest-paid on the roster.
NBA insiders have reported that the Mavericks are open to trades involving these veterans. Notably, the Los Angeles Lakers have been mentioned as a potential trade partner, though reports indicate that they have not engaged in serious discussions with the Mavericks about acquiring Washington or Gafford. The Lakers lack the necessary assets and salaries to facilitate such trades, making it unlikely that any deal will occur with them.
As the Mavericks approach the start of the season, decisions will need to be made to finalize the roster. The team must navigate the delicate balance of managing player contracts and ensuring they have the right mix of talent to compete effectively. This includes evaluating the performance of players during training camp and making any necessary adjustments.
The upcoming weeks will be telling as the Mavericks finalize their roster, potentially leading to more trades or player waivers. The team's management is focused on creating a competitive environment that leverages the talents of Irving, Flagg, and the newly acquired players.
With the season opener approaching, fans are eager to see how the Mavericks will utilize their revamped roster. The combination of Irving's experience and Flagg's youthful energy could be the key to a successful campaign. As the Mavericks prepare for the new season, the anticipation continues to build around their potential.