Mavericks Eyeing Top GM Candidates, Including Brad Stevens

Oklahoma City's Sam Presti, Minnesota's Tim Connelly, and Cleveland's Koby Altman also in the mix for Dallas' front office leadership role.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:22pm

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The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly looking to make a major splash in hiring their next front office leader, with high-profile executives like Boston's Brad Stevens, Oklahoma City's Sam Presti, Minnesota's Tim Connelly, and Cleveland's Koby Altman all under consideration for the team's general manager position.

Why it matters

The Mavericks are seeking to revamp their front office leadership as they look to build a championship-contending roster around star player Luka Dončić. Hiring an experienced, respected executive could help the team take the next step after several seasons of early playoff exits.

The details

According to reports, Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont is aiming high in the team's GM search, with Stevens, Presti, Connelly, and Altman all emerging as top candidates for the position. The Mavericks are hoping to land an executive who can provide strong leadership and strategic vision to elevate the franchise.

  • The Mavericks' GM search is currently underway as the team looks to fill the position ahead of the upcoming NBA offseason.

The players

Brad Stevens

The president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, Stevens has a strong track record of building successful teams and developing young talent.

Sam Presti

The executive vice president and general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Presti is known for his strategic roster-building and ability to navigate the NBA draft and trade market.

Tim Connelly

The president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Connelly has helped transform the Timberwolves into a playoff contender in recent years.

Koby Altman

The president of basketball operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Altman has overseen the Cavaliers' rebuild following LeBron James' departure and has a reputation for savvy roster moves.

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What they’re saying

“I'm told that Patrick Dumont, the team's governor, is aiming high. Among the names on Dumont's wish list, per league sources: Oklahoma City executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti, Minnesota president of basketball operations Tim Connelly and Boston president Brad Stevens. Cleveland top exec Koby Altman's name is also in the mix, a source said.”

— Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated Reporter

What’s next

The Mavericks are expected to conduct thorough interviews with the candidates in the coming weeks as they look to make a decision on their next front office leader.

The takeaway

The Mavericks' search for a new general manager highlights the team's desire to take a major step forward and build a championship-caliber roster around star player Luka Dončić. Hiring an experienced, respected executive could be a game-changer for the franchise as it looks to reach new heights in the highly competitive Western Conference.