The Mavericks Are Chasing Wins-But at What Cost?
The Dallas Mavericks have managed to right the ship after a rough start to the season, but despite the recent course correction, their long-term outlook is anything but stable. On the surface, a playoff push might look like a sign of progress. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear the Mavs are walking a tightrope between short-term satisfaction and long-term sustainability.
Here’s the issue: Dallas only controls one of their own first-round picks between now and 2031. That’s not a typo.
One pick. In a league where draft capital is currency, the Mavericks are effectively broke.
And instead of preserving their lone remaining asset-this year’s pick-they’re reportedly doubling down on making the postseason.
According to reports, the team is committed to competing this season, even after parting ways with GM Nico Harrison and amid swirling rumors about the future of star forward Anthony Davis. Rather than pivoting toward a rebuild or retool around their young cornerstone, Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks appear locked in on chasing a playoff berth. That likely means Davis stays put, removing their most valuable trade chip from the market.
Now, there’s an understandable temptation here. Flagg is a generational talent, and there’s a real argument for giving him playoff reps early in his career. But there’s a fine line between developing a young star and mortgaging your future for a first-round exit.
Let’s be real: even if the Mavericks sneak into the postseason, they’re probably looking at a first-round matchup against a juggernaut like the Oklahoma City Thunder. That’s not a series-it’s a buzz saw.
Four games and out. Maybe five if someone gets hot.
And while that might feel like progress in the moment, it’s hard to see how that outweighs the value of landing another top-tier prospect in a loaded 2026 draft.
This year’s draft class is deep with star potential. We’re talking about AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer-all names that could be franchise-altering talents.
Pairing any one of them with Flagg? That’s the kind of foundation you can build around for a decade.
But to get there, the Mavericks would need to finish with one of the league’s five worst records, giving themselves a legitimate shot at a top-three pick.
Instead, they’re chasing the 10th seed in the West.
Meanwhile, look at what San Antonio has done. The Spurs landed Victor Wembanyama, then followed it up by drafting Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
They flipped their surplus of picks into a deal for De’Aaron Fox. That’s how you build a contender in today’s NBA: through the draft, smart trades, and patience.
Dallas doesn’t have the luxury of patience-or picks. If they miss the window this year, there’s no reset button.
No safety net. No war chest of assets to swing a major trade.
And that makes this season pivotal. Not just for the next few months, but for the next several years.
The Mavericks aren’t just playing for April. They’re playing for 2029, 2030, and beyond. And right now, they’re playing a dangerous game.