The Dallas Mavericks are navigating one of their most turbulent seasons in recent memory, and the ripple effects of the controversial Luka Doncic trade are still being felt across the organization. In the wake of that blockbuster deal, the front office didn’t hesitate to make another major move, parting ways with general manager Nico Harrison. But even amid all the upheaval, the Mavericks are making it clear that some pieces of their future aren’t up for discussion.
One of those pieces? Max Christie.
According to a report from The Athletic, Dallas has made it known that Christie is off the table, despite significant trade interest from around the league. And if you’ve been watching his recent play, that stance makes a lot of sense.
Christie, now in his fourth year, has emerged as a steady contributor and a bright spot in an otherwise rocky season. He’s averaging 13.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game-solid numbers that don’t fully capture the impact he’s had since returning from injury. Over the last four games, Christie has dropped 20-plus points each night, including a 24-point performance in a tough loss to the Lakers, the team that originally drafted him.
There’s a reason the Mavericks are holding firm. With Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving considered untouchable, Christie is now being treated with similar regard. That’s not just about numbers-it’s about fit, growth, and future potential.
Dallas is clearly building around Flagg, the young phenom who’s become the face of the franchise post-Luka. In that context, keeping a player like Christie in the fold makes strategic sense.
He’s young, still developing, and already showing signs of being a high-level two-way contributor. He’s also embraced his role, and his work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s a hard worker, he loves the game, he loves winning, he’s about the team and goes out there and plays as hard as he can for us every night,” teammate Naji Marshall said. “A guy like that, the basketball gods are just rewarding him.”
That kind of praise isn’t just lip service. It reflects the culture Dallas is trying to establish-a team-first mentality with a foundation of young, hungry talent. Christie fits that mold to a tee.
Since being acquired from the Lakers in the Luka-Anthony Davis trade, Christie has steadily earned his spot in the Mavericks’ rotation. His minutes have gone up, his confidence is growing, and his recent scoring surge suggests he’s just starting to tap into his full potential.
For a team trying to reset its identity and build something sustainable, Max Christie represents more than just a hot hand-he represents a direction. And for now, that direction doesn’t include shipping him out.