How is the Dallas Mavericks’ Offseason Going So Far?

The Dallas Mavericks had a busy NBA Draft, adding four new players to their roster to continue building around rising star Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr., Koa Peat (traded for Sergio de Larrea), Tobi Lawal, and Vsevolod Ishchenko.

Here’s how the Mavericks’ offseason is going, so you can make an informed decision across various topics surrounding the Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks’ First NBA Summer League Game
The Dallas Mavericks opened their NBA Summer League slate on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, but the Mavericks fell 101-90 to the Warriors at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Both teams faced each other in a nationally televised game on ESPN and KFAA. Thursday’s matchup was a battle between former college teammates as Yaxel Lendeborg’s double-double helped the Warriors to a win over Morez Johnson Jr. and the Mavs.

Lendeborg, 23, finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists for the Warriors. LJ Cryer led the Warriors’ scorers with 25 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Lachlan Olbrich added 12 points in the team’s favor.

Johnson Jr., 20, led the Mavs’ scorers with 27 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Ryan Nembhard scored 15 points and a game-high 11 assists for the Mavs. John Poulakidas added 14 points in the Mavs’ favor.

The Warriors built a 24-point lead that appeared to turn into a blowout at the end of regulation. However, Dallas’ comeback, which included a late 8-0 run in the fourth quarter, kept the game closer than Golden State likely wouldn’t have anticipated.

Mavericks’ Next NBA Summer League Game
The Mavericks continue their NBA Summer League slate against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Pacific. The Mavs vs. Lakers matchup will be played at the Thomas & Mack Center and broadcast on ESPN.

After Saturday’s game, Dallas will finish its slate in Las Vegas against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at 4:00 p.m. Pacific and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Pacific. A fifth game may be played depending on the Mavericks’ performances in the first four games.

Monday’s game would shine a light on Grizzlies rookie Cam Boozer, the son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer. Thursday’s matchup would see Johnson Jr.’s former Michigan teammate, Aday Mara, who is originally from Spain.

Mavericks’ Outlook
The Mavericks’ outlook entering the 2026-27 NBA season appears to be in a transitional phase, but with a clearer focus on building around Flagg, 19, while managing the much-needed return of their top players. Kyrie Irving is expected to return from a torn ACL, which would improve the Mavs’ backcourt, thanks to his veteran playmaking.

Despite having an injury-prone core, Dallas has been getting younger, while creating a clear identity with Flagg as a centerpiece. Brandon Williams, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, and Ryan Nembhard are expected to remain as role players. The Mavs previously traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, freeing up cap space and draft capital.

The Mavs had a rare opportunity to build a young core with two first-round picks in this year’s NBA Draft — and delivered. But they must keep their entire roster healthy, including this year’s draft picks, develop the offensive game of Johnson Jr., 20, and integrate de Larrea, 20, into a supporting role to set the foundation for a competitive team in the near future.

The Mavs likely won’t see tremendous success this coming season, but things have been looking up for the team. The Mavs’ focus appears to be on development and roster depth instead of a playoff push. But to be realistic, Dallas would likely compete in the NBA Play-In Tournament, as expectations should be toned down for now.