Mark Aguirre's Jersey Retired by Dallas Mavericks

Former Mavericks star's number raised to the rafters after decades-long estrangement

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:07pm

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More than 30 years after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, former star player Mark Aguirre returned to the American Airlines Center on Thursday night to see his jersey retired. Aguirre, who left Dallas as the franchise's all-time leading scorer, had a contentious relationship with then-coach John MacLeod during his tenure. Despite the past issues, Aguirre was welcomed back by Mavericks legends and former Detroit Pistons teammate Isiah Thomas, who delivered a speech praising Aguirre's impact on the Pistons' championship teams.

Why it matters

Aguirre's jersey retirement ceremony marks a reconciliation between the former star player and the Mavericks organization after years of estrangement. His contributions to the team as their all-time leading scorer are now being recognized, even if his departure was contentious at the time.

The details

Aguirre left the Mavericks in 1991 in a trade that brought Adrian Dantley and a first-round pick to Dallas. His moody disposition and clashes with then-coach John MacLeod were cited as reasons for the trade. However, Aguirre went on to win two NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons, where he teamed up with his childhood friend Isiah Thomas. During Thursday's ceremony, Thomas delivered a speech praising Aguirre's pivotal role in the Pistons' title runs.

  • Aguirre was traded from the Mavericks to the Pistons in 1991.
  • Aguirre's jersey was retired by the Mavericks on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Mark Aguirre

Former Dallas Mavericks star player who is the franchise's all-time leading scorer. He had a contentious relationship with the team's coach before being traded to the Detroit Pistons in 1991, where he won two NBA championships.

John MacLeod

Former head coach of the Dallas Mavericks who clashed repeatedly with Aguirre during his tenure with the team.

Isiah Thomas

Aguirre's former Detroit Pistons teammate and childhood friend, who delivered a speech praising Aguirre's impact on the Pistons' championship teams.

Dirk Nowitzki

Mavericks legend who attended Aguirre's jersey retirement ceremony.

Cooper Flagg

Mavericks forward who scored a career-high 49 points in the game following Aguirre's jersey retirement ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“If Mark Aguirre doesn't come to the Detroit Pistons, we never become world champions.”

— Isiah Thomas

“Mark's attitude made it difficult for the team. It was a big problem.”

— John MacLeod, Former Mavericks head coach

“I'm excited, I'm going to join Isiah. We've dreamed of being on the same team since we were in grade school.”

— Mark Aguirre

What’s next

The Mavericks will continue their season, looking to build on Flagg's career-high performance despite the loss to the Hornets.

The takeaway

Aguirre's jersey retirement ceremony represents a reconciliation between the former star player and the Mavericks organization, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and honoring the contributions of past players, even if their departures were contentious at the time.