Pre-Draft Outlook
In the last 16 months, the Mavs have traded a perennial MVP candidate, drafted one of the most heralded prospects in recent memory, traded the future Hall of Famer they got for the first guy, and made major changes in the front office. Cooper Flagg is obviously the foundation, but most of the supporting cast is much older than the Kia Rookie of the Year. That cast includes Kyrie Irving, who should be ready to return at the start of next season.
The Way to Go
The Mavs fell a spot in the Lottery, but (because of trades) this still could be the highest they pick in the next few years. Flagg is a downhill attacker, so they should be complementing him with as much shooting as they can find. Brayden Burries shot 39% from deep at Arizona, but the Mavs may prefer the potential of Mikel Brown Jr. or the size of Nate Ament.
— John Schuhmann
Under Contract
G: Max Christie
G: Kyrie Irving
G: AJ Johnson
G: Klay Thompson
F: Cooper Flagg
F: Naji Marshall
F: Caleb Martin
F: P.J. Washington
F/C: Daniel Gafford
C: Dereck Lively II
Free agents
G: Ryan Nembhard
G: Brandon Williams
F: Marvin Bagley III
F: Khris Middleton
F/C: Dwight Powell