Mavericks Face Offseason Flexibility After Disappointing Season

Dallas has cap space and exceptions to work with, but needs to rebuild around Cooper Flagg

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:37pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors like blue, orange, and purple, conceptually representing the Mavericks' need for a creative, multifaceted approach to rebuilding their roster.The Mavericks' roster reconstruction will require a bold, innovative approach to build around their young talent.Dallas Today

The Dallas Mavericks had high hopes entering the 2026 season, but injuries to key players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis derailed their playoff aspirations. Now, the team finds itself with significant salary cap flexibility and draft capital to work with this offseason as they look to rebuild around promising rookie Cooper Flagg.

Why it matters

The Mavericks' early exit from playoff contention presents an opportunity to retool the roster and set the team up for long-term success. Their financial flexibility and draft position give them options to acquire talent and build around Flagg, who could be a cornerstone piece moving forward.

The details

The Mavericks have over $152 million in committed salary for next season, but with the projected $165 million salary cap, they have room to maneuver. They also have three draft picks in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, including a potential lottery pick. Additionally, the team will have access to the non-taxpayer midlevel and bi-annual exceptions to use in free agency or trades.

  • The Mavericks' season ended much earlier than expected, with the team failing to make the playoffs.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft lottery is set for mid-May, which will determine the Mavericks' exact draft position.

The players

Kyrie Irving

A veteran guard who missed the entire 2026 season due to an ACL injury.

Anthony Davis

A star forward who played just 20 games this season before being traded to the Washington Wizards.

Cooper Flagg

A promising rookie who could be a cornerstone piece for the Mavericks moving forward.

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What they’re saying

“While they still need to hire someone to run the team, which will take first priority, the job should have some attraction because of Cooper Flagg and the financial flexibility.”

— Austin Veazey, Author

What’s next

The Mavericks will need to hire a new team leader to oversee the roster rebuild, and they will also be focused on the 2026 NBA Draft lottery to determine their exact draft position.

The takeaway

The Mavericks' early playoff exit has given them an opportunity to reset and rebuild around promising rookie Cooper Flagg. With significant salary cap flexibility and multiple draft picks, the team has the resources to retool the roster and set themselves up for long-term success.