Mavericks Weigh Options as Kyrie Irving Set to Return, Cooper Flagg Leads New Era

Dallas must consider trading Dereck Lively and AJ Johnson to build around Irving and top draft pick Flagg.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Dallas Mavericks basketball game, with the players and court broken down into overlapping planes of navy blue, green, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Mavericks' new era under Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving will require careful roster management through the trade market.Dallas Today

The Dallas Mavericks are entering a new era after trading away star Luka Doncic and dealing with injuries to key players like Anthony Davis. With Kyrie Irving set to return from an ACL injury and top draft pick Cooper Flagg leading the team, the Mavs must decide which players to keep or trade to build a winning roster around their new core. Dereck Lively and AJ Johnson are two players the team should consider moving, as Lively has struggled with injuries and Johnson may not have a clear role with Irving's return.

Why it matters

The Mavericks are at a crossroads after making some major roster moves in recent years. How they handle the upcoming offseason and build around Irving and Flagg will be crucial in determining if they can return to contention in the Western Conference.

The details

The Mavericks traded away star Luka Doncic in a shocking move, acquiring Anthony Davis who was then traded at the deadline. Now with Kyrie Irving set to return from injury and top draft pick Cooper Flagg leading the team, Dallas must decide which players to keep or trade to build a winning roster. Dereck Lively, the backup center who has struggled with injuries, and AJ Johnson, a former first-round pick who has already played for three teams, are two players the Mavericks should consider moving.

  • Kyrie Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season due to an ACL injury.
  • The Mavericks traded Luka Doncic in a shocking move just over three years ago.
  • Anthony Davis was traded by the Mavericks at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Kyrie Irving

A veteran point guard who will provide valuable experience and production when he returns from an ACL injury to play alongside top draft pick Cooper Flagg.

Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks' top draft pick who will be leading the team's new era after the departure of Luka Doncic.

Dereck Lively

The Mavericks' backup center who has struggled with injuries, only playing in 98 of a possible 246 games over his three-year career.

AJ Johnson

A former first-round pick who has already played for three different teams and may not have a clear role with Kyrie Irving's return.

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What’s next

The Mavericks will need to decide in the offseason whether to keep or trade Dereck Lively and AJ Johnson as they build around Kyrie Irving and top draft pick Cooper Flagg.

The takeaway

The Mavericks are at a critical juncture as they transition to a new era after making some bold roster moves in recent years. How they handle the upcoming offseason and build around their new core of Irving and Flagg will be pivotal in determining if they can return to contention in the Western Conference.