Dallas Mavericks rumors: Rick Carlisle eying potential Bucks opening

The Dallas Mavericks have made the playoffs two straight years but were bounced in the first round both times. Luka Doncic proved his superstar status by being arguably the best player on the court, but the Mavs supporting cast was not good enough for them to advance.

Dallas has not won a playoff series since winning the championship in 2011. In Rick Carlisle’s 13 seasons as Mavericks head coach, the team has made the playoffs nine times. They have only advanced past the first round twice. Some fans thought the team would consider a coaching change this offseason, but owner Mark Cuban was quick to dispel those rumors following their playoff exit.

The Mavs want to keep Carlisle, but he may be looking to move on. Bleacher Report’s Jenna Ciccotelli reported the 61-year-old is eyeing the Milwaukee Bucks head coaching job if it becomes available this offseason. Get the latest here.

Dallas Mavericks rumors: Rick Carlisle eyeing Bucks potential opening

The Bucks have made the playoffs three straight years with Mike Budenholzer at the helm. They lost in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019 before being bounced in the second round last year. Milwaukee is currently taking on the Brooklyn Nets in the second round of the playoffs. Many experts believe Coach Bud’s job is in jeopardy if the Bucks do not win the East.

Carlisle’s interest in the Bucks is a bit surprising. He has been in Dallas for 13 seasons and has superstar Luka Doncic leading his charge after a decade of Dirk Nowitzki. Yes, Milwaukee has Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Mavericks’ future is bright and Carlisle has job security in Dallas.

The Athletic reported (subscription required) on June 14 that there is plenty of front office dysfunction in Dallas. They noted that Haralabos Voulgaris “has frequently gone as far as scripting the starting lineups and rotations for longtime head coach Rick Carlisle”. The front office issues could be causing Carlisle to look elsewhere.

The Dallas Mavericks need to clean things up. They are at risk of losing one of the best coaches in the NBA in Rick Carlisle. Beyond that, superstar Luka Doncic could be on his way out if the roster around him does not improve quickly. The Rick Carlisle rumors should have owner Mark Cuban looking in the mirror and making changes.

The Mavs are facing a plethora of important decisions this offseason. The rumors are just getting started, so stay tuned for wild few months.