The Dallas Mavericks head into the 2026-27 NBA preseason with a new head coach and a roster looking to build on a season-ending victory. They closed their 2025-26 campaign with a 149-128 offensive explosion against the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026, though their recent form of one win and four losses highlights the inconsistency they aim to fix.
The Mavericks' core remains intact after an offseason where they avoided major cuts. Key rotation players Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford signed contract extensions, keeping them in Dallas for the foreseeable future. The most significant departure was veteran shooter Klay Thompson, who joined the Miami Heat after a buyout. Thompson hit 38.3% of his threes last season, and his exit leaves a hole for a team that ranked 25th in three-point percentage. Khris Middleton and Ryan Nembhard also departed via trades.
Dallas made its biggest offseason move by hiring Dusty May as head coach. May comes to the NBA fresh off a national championship run with the University of Michigan. He took over a struggling Michigan program in 2024 and transformed it, culminating in a 37-3 record and a title in 2026. The Mavericks hope he can replicate that turnaround. His offensive philosophy at Michigan featured a strong lob game, a style that could energize the Mavericks' big men.
Optimism in Dallas hinges on several key developments. Cooper Flagg, the 2025 top pick and Rookie of the Year, needs to make a significant second-year leap toward MVP conversations. Kyrie Irving must return to full health and form after missing all of last season. The team also needs Dereck Lively to stay healthy and rookies Morez Johnson Jr. And Sergio De Larrea to contribute immediately. If new coach Dusty May adapts quickly and Flagg ascends, Dallas could have one of the league's best young talents paired with a deep frontcourt and capable guards like Irving and Max Christie.
Expectations were sky-high a year ago after Dallas won the draft lottery with a 1.8% chance and selected Cooper Flagg. But the season unraveled quickly. Kyrie Irving didn't play a minute. Anthony Davis was traded in February after limited action. While Flagg met his individual hype, the supporting cast faltered, leading to a disappointing 26-win record. The season's final games, including losses to the Phoenix Suns (112-107 on April 9) and the Milwaukee Bucks (123-99 on April 1), showed the need for change.
This season promises a more stable foundation. With Irving back, Flagg developing, and a proven winner in Dusty May calling the plays, the mood in Dallas is shifting from bleak to hopeful. The front office believes the pieces are there for a much-improved campaign.
