Dallas Mavericks Outlook: Navigating the Post-Doncic Era With Cooper Flagg and Masai Ujiri

The Dallas Mavericks are entering a period of significant organizational transition following a 2025/26 season that saw the franchise move away from the high-stakes, volatile strategies of the recent past. After a 26-56 campaign, the team is pivoting toward a new era under the leadership of newly appointed president of basketball operations, Masai Ujiri.

The team’s recent history has been defined by dramatic shifts, starting with the 2024 trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers and the subsequent removal of general manager Nico Harrison in November 2025. Harrison’s tenure, which included the acquisition of Anthony Davis, was ultimately viewed as a failure after the star big man’s health struggles limited him to just 29 games with the Mavericks before being traded to the Wizards in February.

A New Direction Under Ujiri

Despite the team’s struggles, the emergence of Cooper Flagg provides a clear foundation for the future. The 19-year-old earned Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game across 70 outings. With Flagg established as a cornerstone, the organization is now tasked with building a competitive roster around him and returning stars Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II.

Did You Know? The Mavericks’ 2025/26 season saw them finish with a 26-56 record, a stark contrast to their 2024 run that culminated in an appearance in the NBA Finals.

The front office, now led by Ujiri, faces a critical summer. The team retains several key veterans from their 2024 Finals run, including Irving, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington, alongside younger contributors like Max Christie, Naji Marshall, and Ryan Nembhard. With the No. 9 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Mavericks possess the assets to potentially expedite their return to contention.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the Mavericks are in a precarious but manageable position. By offloading the injury-plagued Anthony Davis, the team has cleared a path to reset its long-term financial and roster strategy. With ownership of their own first-round draft picks limited until 2031, Ujiri’s challenge is to balance immediate competitiveness with the development of a young core, avoiding a prolonged, full-scale rebuild.

Looking Toward 2027

While the Mavericks are unlikely to be immediate title favourites in 2027, the combination of championship-level front office experience and a core of proven veterans and promising youth suggests the team may avoid a total rebuild. The front office’s primary objective will be determining how to integrate their high draft pick with the existing roster to maximize the potential of a team that is no longer anchored by the massive contracts of the past.

Cooper Flagg's Rookie Season Highlights Are MUST-SEE | 2025-26 NBA Season

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Nico Harrison removed as general manager?
Harrison was removed from his position in November 2025 following a period of organizational volatility that included the trade of Luka Doncic and the unsuccessful acquisition of Anthony Davis.

What was the status of the Mavericks’ veteran stars during the 2025/26 season?
Kyrie Irving spent the season recovering from an ACL tear suffered in March 2025, while Dereck Lively II was sidelined for much of the year due to foot problems.

Why is a full-scale rebuild unlikely for the Mavericks?
The team controls its own first-round draft pick in 2026, which is the last time they will hold that control until 2031, making it strategically advantageous to remain competitive rather than bottoming out.

How do you believe the Mavericks should prioritize their assets during this summer’s draft?