Dallas Mavericks are reshaping their roster this summer, highlighted by a 149-128 victory over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026, which extended their two‑game winning streak in a recent 2W‑0D‑3L run.
How did the Mavericks draft new talent?
The Mavericks entered the 2026 NBA Draft with two first‑round selections and added two more players via trade. They chose Morez Johnson Jr., Koa Peat (later swapped for Sergio de Larrea), Tobi Lawal, and Vsevolod Ishchenko. All four are expected to develop around rising star Cooper Flagg, who turned 19 this offseason. Johnson Jr., a 20‑year‑old forward, impressed in his first summer‑league outing with 27 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
What happened in the first summer‑league game?
Dallas opened its summer‑league schedule against the Golden State Warriors at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday. The Warriors took a 101‑90 win, propelled by Yaxel Lendeborg’s double‑double (21 points, 10 rebounds, six assists) and LJ Cryer’s 25 points. The Mavericks fought back late, capping the fourth quarter with an 8‑0 run, but the deficit proved too large. Ryan Nembhard dished a game‑high 11 assists, while John Poulakidas added 14 points for Dallas.
Who are the Mavericks facing next in summer league?
The next matchup pits Dallas against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Pacific, broadcast on ESPN from the same arena. After that, the Mavs will travel to Las Vegas to meet the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday (4:00 p.m.) and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday (1:00 p.m.). A possible fifth game hinges on the team’s performance in the first four contests. The Grizzlies will showcase rookie Cam Boozer, son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer, while the Thunder game could feature Johnson Jr.’s former Michigan teammate Aday Mara, a Spanish‑born guard.
What does the offseason outlook look like for Dallas?
Entering the 2026‑27 season, Dallas appears to be in a transition phase, centering its identity around Cooper Flagg while hoping for Kyrie Irving’s return from a torn ACL. Irving’s veteran playmaking would stabilize the backcourt, complementing the younger core of Brandon Williams, Max Christie, Naji Marshall and Ryan Nembhard. The trade of Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards cleared cap space and added draft assets, allowing the Mavericks to stockpile youthful talent. The key now is keeping the roster healthy, polishing Johnson Jr.’s offensive game, and integrating de Larrea into a supporting role. Success may be modest this year, but the foundation is set for a competitive squad in the near future.