Mavs Struggling Early in the Season

Although the 2025-26 NBA season is still five months away, the Dallas Mavericks seem to have already hit a wall. With a disappointing 3-7 record, they have begun poorly despite facing one of the easiest schedules in the league. They started the season with losses against struggling teams like the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Memphis Grizzlies, managing only a narrow victory over the Indiana Pacers, who boast a record of 1-9.

The Mavericks’ offensive performance is currently one of the worst in the NBA, ranking 29th. They’re struggling with fundamentals—making shots, securing offensive rebounds, and creating assists. Night after night, they’re losing possession battles and failing to make shots effectively. Without a real point guard on the team, creating scoring opportunities has been a challenge, particularly as Kyrie Irving is still recuperating from a torn ACL. While the defense ranks fourth overall, it’s becoming increasingly evident that a weak offense makes it impossible for them to secure regular-season wins.

Interestingly, Dallas is managing to plow through this rough patch, especially given their young star, Cooper Flagg, is just starting his career. There was a slim 1.8 percent chance of winning the draft lottery for him, but it’s been rough going so far. Flagg’s shooting efficiency is not great (49.5 percent, compared to a league average of 58.2 percent), and his turn-over rate is concerning. It’s noteworthy that when he’s off the court, the defense allows 10 more points per 100 possessions. As the youngest player in the league this season after only three years in high school, he is presently out of position as a makeshift point guard. It’s likely he’ll become a strong player eventually, so these early struggles could be beneficial for his growth, though it would be a shame to waste a “generational” talent on a lost rookie year.

Fans who support Flagg might feel some pleasure, but overall, Mavericks supporters are largely disheartened—especially due to a questionable trade that could haunt them. Luka Doncic continues to loom over the franchise’s future and the initial trade has the potential to be labeled one of the worst in sports history. Looking back, the D+ grade for his initial contract feels overly lenient, and honestly, I might regret not rating it an F. Watching Doncic flourish, even scoring a 40-point triple-double for the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night, adds insult to injury. His memory lingers like a ghost, making it tough for the franchise to move on without addressing the mess they’ve created.

The day following the Mavs’ draft lottery victory, I suggested how to build around Flagg: First, replace Nico Harrison; second, consider trading Anthony Davis; and third, begin amassing assets for the future. If the Mavericks are smart, they seem to be ready to take that first step.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that firing Harrison is “inevitable.” This suggests the Mavs should seriously think about waiving him. Other sources indicate there’s a very high chance Harrison will be let go during this season. Trading Doncic could be a big mark on Harrison’s legacy—one that may last long after we’re gone. It feels reminiscent of the Red Sox trading Babe Ruth to the Yankees; even Flagg won’t let Dallas fans easily forget this blunder.

Realistically, the Mavericks might have already jeopardized Flagg’s potential by delaying Harrison’s removal. Unsurprisingly, Davis, who has missed games this season due to a calf injury, is starting the season around 20 pounds overweight. With a contract of $58.4 million next season and a $62.7 million player option for 2027-28, pundits believe he could fetch up to four first-round picks in a trade, but even two might soon feel excessive given his current status as a liability.

As it stands, the Mavs can only aim for a tank this season—they don’t have control over first-round picks in 2027, 2028, 2029, or 2030. There’s a nagging thought about Flagg potentially signing with his hometown Boston Celtics as a free agent at the end of his rookie contract. Dallas can still salvage this era with Flagg, but they need to act quickly. Once Harrison is dismissed, I think the real fun could start.

The Trade Market for Anthony Davis

Finding a team willing to trade for Davis, considering both salary and draft compensation, will be a challenge. Ironically, it seems that the Lakers might be the best fit for him, but a trade there could be complicated for whoever takes over after Harrison, especially as they only have one unprotected first-round pick available.

There are other potential landing spots like:

• Chicago Bulls: They’re an unexpected success story and have Davis’s hometown ties, but their need for rim protection competes with his reluctance to play center regularly. They already have a crowded backcourt, making a trade for potential future picks a bit risky as well.

• Toronto Raptors: Toronto has the picks and cap space to pursue Davis, although they would likely need to give up vital points which seem worth it for a contender.

• Portland Trail Blazers: Here, he could actually have a significant role; they have youthful talent that could make that work.

• Miami Heat: The Heat are perennially on the lookout for stars and might be the only team capable of keeping Davis healthy and productive.

Other Trade Considerations for Dallas

All players not involved with Flagg should be on the trade block. Personally, I think keeping guys like Derek Lively II and Max Christie as long-term partners with Flagg makes sense, but the rest should be leveraged for draft picks. They could find decent value around the league, even if it doesn’t return a first-round pick.

• Daniel Gafford
• Klay Thompson
• PJ Washington
• Naji Marshall

And what about Kyrie Irving? The Mavs may keep Flagg around to help him grow, but at this stage, it seems Irving’s main focus is on competing for championships. He could also be on the move this offseason.

Things are looking dire for the Mavs right now. Some reports suggest they’re listening to sad music in the locker room. It feels like this entire situation needs to be upended. Regardless of whether the blame lies with Governor Patrick Dumont or not, Nico Harrison should be dismissed immediately. The Mavericks must act fast as every day that passes only complicates Flagg’s long-term outlook.