The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for a thrilling offseason, and if you're a fan, there's plenty to keep your eyes on. The Las Vegas Summer League schedule is out, and it's a chance for fans to get an early look at new talent, including the promising Morez Johnson Jr. Here's a breakdown of the Mavericks' upcoming games:
- July 9 vs. Golden State Warriors at 6 p.m.
CT on ESPN
- July 11 vs.
Los Angeles Lakers at 9 p.m. CT on ESPN
- July 13 vs. Memphis Grizzlies at 6 p.m.
CT on ESPN
- July 16 vs.
Oklahoma City Thunder at 3 p.m. CT on Prime
- Tournament game on July 17 or 18 against a team to be determined
As the 2026 NBA Draft fades into the rearview mirror, the Mavericks are now turning their focus toward critical offseason moves. With the NBA's free agency period looming, Dallas has some significant decisions ahead.
The offseason officially kicks off on June 30, the final day of the 2025-26 league year. Teams can start negotiating with free agents from other teams at 5 p.m.
CT. This date is also crucial for players eligible for in-season veteran extensions, as it's the last chance to lock in deals under the current year's rules.
July 1 marks the start of the 2026-27 league year and the beginning of the moratorium period. During this time, Dereck Lively II becomes eligible for a rookie-scale extension with Dallas-a pivotal decision given his potential and past injury concerns. Teams can also start signing draft picks and exercising contract options, though nothing becomes official until the moratorium ends.
The moratorium lifts on July 6 at 11:01 a.m. CT, allowing teams to officially sign free agents, finalize trades, and complete extensions.
This date is particularly noteworthy for players like Max Christie, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall, and Klay Thompson, who become eligible for extensions. Thompson's availability in trade talks adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Mavericks' plans.
Summer League action kicks off for Dallas on July 9, offering the first competitive glimpse of Morez Johnson Jr. and the rest of the 2026 draft class. It's an exciting time for fans to see how these new players fit into the team's future.
While training camp dates aren't confirmed yet, it's expected to start around the same time as last year, likely in late September. This will be the first opportunity to see the much-anticipated pairing of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving in a practice setting.
The Mavericks will begin their preseason on October 9 and 11, facing the Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena in Macao as part of the NBA China Games. This will be their first preseason action and a chance to see how the team is shaping up.
With the draft setting the stage, the next few months are crucial for shaping the Mavericks' roster for the upcoming season. From extensions to trades, every decision will play a part in defining what fans can expect when the season tips off.
In Other News...
Mavericks Suddenly Have A Bigger Daniel Gafford Dilemma Than Expected
Dereck Lively IIs recovery has become a quiet but important subplot for the Mavericks as they move deeper into the summer. Dallas entered the offseason with the idea that its center depth was manageable, but Livelys slower-than-expected progress has complicated that picture and forced the front office to think harder about how much pressure it can place on the middle of the roster.
That matters because it changes the calculus around Daniel Gafford, who had been a realistic trade candidate in a crowded frontcourt. If the Mavericks cant count on Lively to be ready for the start of the regular season, leaning on rookie Morez Johnson Jr. for meaningful minutes becomes a much tougher sell, and it could push Dallas toward other roster fixes instead, including a possible look at Marvin Bagley III or even a different trade path. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Just Ran Into A Daniel Gafford Decision They Can't Ignore
The Mavericks offseason has already brought a new coach in Dusty May and a fresh addition in forward Morez Johnson Jr., but the bigger roster question may still be the one sitting in the frontcourt. Daniel Gafford has been a useful piece for Dallas, yet his name has stayed in the trade conversation as the team weighs how to shape the roster around a new direction and a different kind of interior anchor.
What makes the situation tricky is that Gaffords market has not matched the kind of return Dallas would need to justify moving him. His offense has limitations, and his rim protection is not viewed as perfect enough to boost his value the way the Mavericks might want. With Dereck Lively II looming as a possible centerpiece of the front line, Dallas now has to decide whether Gafford fits the next phase or becomes a player they hold onto while waiting for the market to change. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Are Flirting With A Win-Now Move Cooper Flagg Doesnt Need
The Mavericks offseason conversation is already bending toward a familiar Dallas debate: how hard should a team push its chips in when the future is sitting right there on the roster? According to The Athletic, the club has shown trade interest in Kawhi Leonard, with a potential package built around P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft capital, a kind of win-now swing that would certainly change the look of the roster in a hurry.
The hesitation is obvious. Leonard is on the back end of a massive deal and the timeline attached to him does not exactly match a front office that is supposed to be building around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg. Add in the risk of sacrificing useful rotation pieces and future flexibility for a star whose contract status leaves little long-term certainty, and the appeal of the move starts to look a lot less clean than it does on the surface. [Read more 🡒]