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Dallas Mavericks will employ Damian Lillard strategy with young star, they are hoping for a trade

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 10:24 AM ET

The Dallas Mavericks are making the final moves to solidify their roster, which will involve taking a controversial strategy.

The Dallas Mavericks have put together a strong roster this offseason. After the departure of Luka Doncic, the Mavericks have found a way to successfully pivot.

After the Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, they picked Cooper Flagg, adding another generational star to their roster.

Following that, the Mavericks re-signed Kyrie Irving for $119 million, securing the All-Star point guard’s future for the next three years.

And now, as the Mavericks attempt to re-sign Daniel Gafford for $90 million, they may be forced to make a tough decision.

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Dallas Mavericks could possibly waive-and-stretch Olivier Maxence-Prosper

According to NBA insider Ary on X, the Dallas Mavericks are trying desperately to trade Olivier Maxence-Prosper to make cap space.

But if no such trade materializes, the Mavericks will waive-and-stretch Olivier Maxence-Prosper’s remaining $3 million salary.

“If no trade materializes for Olivier Maxence-Prosper by tomorrow, the Mavericks are expected to waive and stretch the forward, sources tell me. The deadline to waive and stretch contracts is tomorrow, 4:00 PM CT.”

This would be a similar strategy to the one that the Milwaukee Bucks used to waive Damian Lillard. While Maxence-Prosper does have a $5.2 million team option in 2026, the Mavericks aren’t obligated to pay that in this approach.

If no trade materializes for Olivier Maxence-Prosper by tomorrow, the Mavericks are expected to waive and stretch the forward, sources tell me. The deadline to waive and stretch contracts is tomorrow 4:00 PM CT.
— Ary (@Ary_Report) August 28, 2025

Dallas Mavericks looking to compete for an NBA championship next season

The Dallas Mavericks’ successful re-signing of Daniel Gafford would put the finishing touch on their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season.

It’s hard to look at their roster and dismiss them as potential title contenders. The health of Kyrie Irving is a bit of a roadblock, but the point guard is expected to return to the team mid-way through the season.