Kidd's latest benching exposes Mavericks' real stance on their new trade outcast

Just days ago, Jason Kidd insisted the Dallas Mavericks’ new pieces need real minutes to be fairly evaluated. Lately, though, his rotation decisions suggest the opposite, especially when it comes to one of the team’s most enigmatic young players.

AJ Johnson, a former first-round pick acquired by the Mavericks in the Anthony Davis trade, has averaged just 9.3 minutes per game since arriving in Dallas and has been a DNP-CD in five of the last 11 games. Contrary to what Kidd suggested, Johnson isn’t receiving nearly enough playing time to be fairly evaluated.

AJ Johnson's role is shrinking despite his upside

Of course, taking a peek at his stats since arriving in Dallas tells part of the story. He’s averaged just 2.8 points and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 32.6 percent from the floor and a ghastly 10.5 percent from 3-point range. Still, those numbers only scratch the surface. Dig a little deeper, and there’s reason for optimism.

Johnson has put together several standout performances for the Texas Legends, the Mavericks’ G League affiliate. In four appearances, he’s averaged 19.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from 3-point range — a stark contrast to his limited and inefficient production at the NBA level.

The potential is obviously there for the 21-year-old. He’s a 6-foot-5 point guard with an advanced handle, slithery playmaking ability, and elite speed. That’s exactly the kind of downhill, attacking archetype the Mavericks desperately need, especially with Brandon Williams set to enter unrestricted free agency this summer.

Yet, Kidd’s current approach seems to make his stance on Johnson’s long-term future crystal clear. Johnson may not be in Dallas much longer, regardless of the years left on his rookie deal. For what it’s worth, his $3.2 million team option for 2026–27 has already been picked up, though his 2027–28 option remains uncertain.

Dallas is wasting valuable developmental minutes for Johnson

Still, it’s a difficult reality to accept. Dallas isn’t playing for anything at this point, having already been eliminated from playoff contention. The focus now should be on draft positioning. So why not replace 34-year-old Khris Middleton’s role with Johnson? Why not scale back Klay Thompson’s minutes to give him a real opportunity?

Multiple outcomes are in play, and none are far-fetched. Johnson could still falter in Dallas. After all, he’s already been traded twice in his young career, which may hint at a concerning trajectory. But his skill set and intangibles are difficult to ignore. There’s a reason he was a first-round pick, despite averaging just 2.8 points in 7.9 minutes per game for the Illawarra Hawks before entering the draft.

Thus, there’s still time for Johnson to make an impact — one that could turn into a significant role. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that Kidd’s approach may have already closed that door. If nothing changes, Johnson may never get a real opportunity to prove he belongs in Dallas.