The Dallas Mavericks came into this season hoping to build something new. But at the moment, it’s been more about finding what’s broken-and trying to fix it fast.
With a 19-30 record and sitting 11th in the Western Conference, the Mavericks are clearly searching for answers. One of their more recent moves?
Benching both D’Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson. In Russell’s case, it’s gone even further-he’s been removed from the rotation entirely, logging just one appearance over the past month.
And now, Dallas is actively exploring trade options for the veteran guard.
According to reports, the Mavericks are keeping their core young pieces off the table-namely Naji Marshall and Max Christie, both of whom arrived in the blockbuster trade that also brought in Anthony Davis. But the front office is keeping the phone lines open when it comes to potential deals involving Russell, Thompson, and big man Daniel Gafford.
Russell, who’s appeared in 26 games this season, is averaging 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Those numbers are a far cry from his previous All-Star form, and his fit in the Mavericks’ system has been shaky at best. The benching signals more than just a slump-it’s a clear sign that Dallas is ready to pivot.
This all comes in the wake of one of the most controversial trades in recent NBA history. Just a year ago, the Mavericks shocked the league by sending franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
The move drew heavy criticism at the time, and the fallout was swift. General Manager Nico Harrison, the architect of the deal, was fired in November 2025.
Former team owner Mark Cuban, who sold a majority stake in the franchise but still maintains a public voice, recently reflected on that decision. In an interview, Cuban didn’t hold back.
“It was a mistake [trading Dončić] and I wish they would have spoken to me first,” he said. “I’m happy for Luka.
And I’m happy for Mavs fans that we’ve got [Cooper Flagg], even though I recognize that we all still miss Luka. The people responsible for that [deal] are for the most part gone, which I think was necessary.”
Cuban’s comments echo what many Mavericks fans have been feeling all season long. The team’s identity, once built around the brilliance of Dončić, has been in flux.
Anthony Davis has had moments, and there’s genuine excitement around rookie Cooper Flagg. But the chemistry hasn’t clicked, and the results speak for themselves.
Now, with the trade deadline approaching, Dallas is once again at a crossroads. Will they find a deal that brings balance back to the roster? Can they build around Davis and Flagg while salvaging this season?
Their next test comes against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center-a tall task against one of the East’s elite. But for the Mavericks, the real battle is internal: figuring out who they are, and how quickly they can become the team they hoped to be.