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Mavericks Announce Decision on Player After 27-Point G League Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Ishaan Bhattacharya | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 2:19 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks are less than two seasons removed from making it to the NBA Finals, but the team is far from reaching those heights again.

They have a 21-38 record this season, and are expected to be uncompetitive for the rest of the season. They have been without star rookie Cooper Flagg for the last six games and currently have a makeshift roster after trading away Anthony Davis in February.

Davis was the crown jewel of the Luka Doncic trade but was sent to the Washington Wizards for what amounted to a salary dump for future flexibility. They received two low-value first-round picks, Khris Middleton and former first-round pick A.J. Johnson.

Middleton recently was confirmed to spend the rest of the season in Dallas despite buyout interest from the Denver Nuggets. But Johnson hasn't found a role in the Mavericks' backcourt rotation, averaging 3.6 points in seven games so far. He spent the weekend with the Mavericks' G League affiliate in Frisco, the Texas Legends.

After a 27-point (10-14 FG) outing in his Legends debut, the Mavericks recalled the guard to the main team.

The Dallas Mavericks have recalled guard AJ Johnson from the @TexasLegends.
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) March 1, 2026

This decision likely comes from the team having five names ruled out for their Sunday clash against the OKC Thunder. The latest addition to this injury report was Naji Marshall, who was downgraded to doubtful. Johnson's availability will give head coach Jason Kidd a dynamic on-ball presence to use if required.

Johnson is averaging 3.0 points in 32 games over the season. The 2024 first-round pick is on his third team, being traded to the Wizards from the Milwaukee Bucks last season.

Dallas Mavericks guard AJ Johnson (8) looks on during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

He's in the second year of his $14.6 million rookie contract with an exercised $3.2 million team option going forward. If he wants the Mavericks to keep him on their squad as part of the future, he's going to have to earn it on the court.

The 21-year-old should have plenty of opportunities to earn it by the end of this season, as the Mavericks hope to once again hit in the Draft lottery. Their 2026 first-round pick is the last one they control till 2030, so there'll be a lot riding on it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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