Mavericks Retool for Post-Doncic Era, Draft Flagg as New Centerpiece

The Dallas Mavericks are embarking on a new chapter after making one of the most shocking moves in NBA history—trading away star player Luka Doncic. The team finished the 2024-25 season with a 39-43 record and fell in the Play-In Tournament, with key players Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis missing significant time due to injury.

Now, the Mavericks have retooled their roster for the post-Doncic era. They started by securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and selecting Duke standout Cooper Flagg, who is expected to be the new centerpiece of the team. The Mavericks also made several other notable moves, including signing veteran guard De'Angelo Russell and extending Irving's contract through the 2027-28 season.

While the Mavericks' fan base may be divided on the team's direction, the hope is that Flagg's prodigious talents, combined with a healthy Davis and Dereck Lively II, will help the team make a deep playoff run in the star-studded Western Conference. The addition of Russell should also provide valuable backcourt depth when Irving returns from his torn ACL, which is expected to keep him sidelined until at least January.

The Mavericks' offseason moves have positioned them well for life after Doncic, and they will be a team to watch in the upcoming season as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing 2024-25 campaign.