Mavericks' Dusty May hire makes draft trade-back rumors even more intriguing

The Dallas Mavericks hired former Michigan head coach Dusty May as their new head coach on Monday morning, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, and this home-run hire adds another layer to Dallas' trade-back rumors. Dallas holds the No. 9 overall pick, and with rumors of them looking to trade back in the draft, this move now makes even more sense due to several of May's former players projected to be drafted in the Mavs' trade-back range.

Dallas could draft former Michigan players after hiring Dusty May

If Dallas were to move back in the draft, the deal that makes the most sense, and has credible reporting attached to it, is trading the ninth overall pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the No. 12 and 17 picks. This deal is logical due to the Thunder needing to consolidate their picks, while the Mavericks get multiple swings to find a young running mate for Cooper Flagg.

With May in the fold now, Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Aday Mara could be legitimate targets for Dallas. Johnson Jr. would give the Mavs physicality and defensive versatility, Lendeborg provides 3-point shooting, size, and versatility, and Mara brings rim protection and elite frontcourt passing.

Why these prospects make sense for the Mavericks

Each player would address specific needs for Dallas, and a case can be made that the Mavs could even land multiple of these players. If the Mavericks were to land the 12th and 17th picks from the Thunder in a trade, at least one of these players would be available. It seems like Mara will be the first big off the board, but there's even a chance that he falls to 12.

Dallas could kick off their 2026 NBA Draft by drafting Mara or Lendeborg with their first selection if they trade back, and if Johnson Jr. falls, they could draft him later on. This would be a massive swing, especially given the Mavs' need for backcourt help, but if anyone has the best intel on all of these prospects, it's May.

NBA front offices often consult with their head coach during the NBA Draft, and if Mike Schmitz and Masai Ujiri lean on their new head coach, there's a good chance that he at least recomends Mara, Lendeborg, or Johnson Jr. He knows their games as well as anyone, and his influence could change who Dallas targets if they move back in the draft.

Lendeborg, Mara, and Johnson Jr each helped Michigan win their first National Championship since 1989, and even getting their hands on one of these players would be a great move for the Mavs. These former Wolverines know how to win at the highest level, and with Dallas needing more talent around Flagg, they all seem like safe selections.

May did an excellent job developing all three of them last season, as all of their draft stocks rose significantly. May deeply cares about his players, and historically has done a great job of helping his big men expand their games.

The Mavericks would benefit from drafting any of these players, and May being hired makes this case even more intriguing. The NBA Draft is just a day away, and these former Wolverines could quickly become real targets for Dallas as they look to get Flagg the help he needs.

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