Dallas Mavericks Upgrade Roster with Key Signings and Trades
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The Dallas Mavericks have upgraded their roster with key signings and trades, according to general manager Mike Schmitz. The team has assembled a bigger, longer, and more skilled roster, with a focus on maximizing Cooper Flagg's talent.
What happened?
The Mavericks finished 26-56 last season, 12th in the Western Conference. Schmitz was hired as general manager on May 8, and he has been working to improve the team's roster. The team has made several signings and trades, including the acquisition of Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and other key players.
Why it matters for Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks' new-look roster is designed to be more entertaining and to play a brand of basketball that people want to watch. Schmitz believes that the team has added to its talent base and has acquired some skill sets that complement several of its players.
What comes next?
The Mavericks will look to build on their new-look roster and make a push for the playoffs. With Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving leading the way, the team is optimistic about its chances for the upcoming season. On July 19, Dallas acquired Zaccharie Risacher from the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade that sent Luguentz Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder to Atlanta. Ryan Nembhard and a 2027 second-round pick went to the Hawks. Risacher was the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. In 67 games for Atlanta last season, he averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds.
A six-team trade brought Santi Aldama from Memphis and Marcus Sasser from Detroit to Dallas. The Mavericks also acquired the draft rights to Tarik Biberović. Khris Middleton and a 2033 second-round pick went to the Washington Wizards. AJ Johnson, a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick went to Memphis. Biberovic later signed a two-year, $6 million contract that includes a team option for 2027-28.
Dallas carries 16 players on standard contracts and can keep 15. Kyrie Irving has not played since March 3, 2025, when he tore the ACL in his left knee against the Sacramento Kings. Dallas ruled him out for all of last season on Feb. 18. In 50 games in 2024-25 before the injury, he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
Flagg won Rookie of the Year in April with 56 of 100 first-place votes. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 70 starts and shot 46.8% from the field. On Aug. 2, the Mavericks extended Naji Marshall on a three-year, $52.2 million contract.
