The Mavericks captured the Flagg, now comes the hard part.

The Dallas Mavericks traded their franchise superstar, Luka Doncic, for a measly return of Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and one 1st round pick. This trade is widely regarded as one of the worst in NBA history, as it sent a contending Mavericks team into a rebuild.

Luckily, they caught a break.

The Mavericks, despite the odds, landed the #1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, getting generational talent Cooper Flagg. This draft lottery miracle drastically accelerated Dallas' rebuild, giving them a clear foundation to build on.

So how can they maximize their situation?

With an injured Kyrie Irving set to return next season, a rising Cooper Flagg, and a solid rotation around them, the Mavericks can be good next year, but they need to fix their holes before they can be elite.

The Mavericks currently struggle with a lack of playmaking and a weak backcourt, and Kyrie Irving's return doesn't fix all of these issues, while also bringing up the question of defense.

The Mavericks are a few strong moves away from accelerating their timeline, and this coming offseason offers many opportunities.

What should they do?

Trade 1

Orlando Magic receive: (G) Klay Thompson, (F) Caleb Martin, (G) AJ Johnson, Top-5 protected 2029 first-round pick, 2032 unprotected first-round pick, 2032 second-round pick.

Dallas Mavericks receive: (G) Jalen Suggs.

Trade 2

Sacramento Kings receive: (G) Brandon Williams, 2030 second-round pick.

Dallas Mavericks receive: (G) Malik Monk. (Use $20.8 million trade exception)

Free Agency

Sign (F-C) Robert Williams III to a 3-year, $42 million contract (Use MLE),

Resign (C) Dwight Powell to a veteran minimum,

Resign (G) Ryan Nembhard to a 2-year, $8 million contract

Why this works:

These moves address Dallas' biggest issues.

The Mavericks, even when contending, showed constant issues with perimeter defense. Without Luka, the Mavericks lack a consistent primary creator.

Adding Jalen Suggs gives Dallas a defensive identity with its backcourt. Suggs' ability to take on the primary defensive assignment allows Irving to operate more freely on offense, while also providing secondary playmaking.

Swapping Brandon Williams with Malik Monk gives Dallas extra size and spacing without losing the high-volume scoring. Monk's shot creation will also help stabilize bench units for Dallas.

When it comes to free agency, Dallas takes every opportunity they get.

Adding Robert Williams III gives the Mavericks a defensive presence off the bench. Williams rim protection and rebounding addresses two of the Mavericks glaring issues.

The Mavericks also bring back young guard Ryan Nembhard, who provides secondary playmaking, and Dwight Powell, who is a veteran leader.

These moves don't create an automatic contender, but rather accelerate the timeline of a future powerhouse.

Dallas Mavericks potential 2026-27 starting lineup + bench:

PG: Kyrie Irving SG: Jalen Suggs SF: Cooper Flagg PF: P.J. Washington C: Daniel Gafford

G: Ryan Nembhard, Malik Monk, Max Christie F: Naji Marshall, Marvin Bagley III C: Dereck Lively, Robert Williams III