Mavericks' latest draft plans hint at a larger long-term goal

The Dallas Mavericks are going into this month's draft with two first-round selections: No. 9 and No. 30. Yet, despite possessing two first-rounders, the Mavericks are reportedly looking to be aggressive. In a recent report on June 17 via Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (subscription required), the NBA insider stated Dallas is eager to move up from No. 30.

While such a move may appear focused on this year's draft, it also reflects a broader organizational goal: acquiring premium young talent now before Dallas enters a lengthy stretch without control of its own first-round pick.

Why the Dallas Mavericks need to be aggressive in the NBA Draft

That's right. The Mavericks won't have control over their first-round pick until 2031! While Dallas does own several first-round selections before then, none are guaranteed to become premium lottery assets. The Mavericks' 2028 first-rounder will be the least favorable of theirs and Oklahoma City's, the 2029 selection is via the Los Angeles Lakers, and the 2030 draft pick is the least favorable of their own and the San Antonio Spurs'.

It'll be tough sledding in the near future, which is exactly why the Mavericks appear determined to maximize this year's draft. Fischer alluded to that reality in his report, noting that Dallas "has already surrendered control of its top selection in the next four drafts thanks to trades made by the previous regime before Masai Ujiri took command in May."

Thus, Ujiri is eager to build his way, and rightfully so. Dallas already has reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and a potential cornerstone in Dereck Lively II, but the Mavericks' young core remains thin beyond those two. With limited control of future first-round picks, maximizing this year's draft is one of Dallas' best opportunities to add more long-term building block.

Mavericks trade-up plans could reshape their future

For instance, guard prospects have dominated the conversation surrounding Dallas' No. 9 pick, with players such as Brayden Burries, Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, and Mikel Brown Jr. frequently being mocked to the Mavericks.

Nonetheless, if Dallas is able to move up from No. 30, it could come away with a forward or even a big man to complement its guard selection at No. 9.

Remaining at No. 30 is far from ideal, especially in a draft that appears top-heavy after numerous prospects opted to return to college. That reality only strengthens the case for the Mavericks to explore moving up the board.

It might look like a win-now move, or even one that screams rebuild, but for the Mavericks, it's part of a much larger vision. With limited control over its own first-round picks for the foreseeable future, Dallas has every reason to maximize one of its few remaining opportunities to add premium young talent. If Ujiri truly wants to build the roster in his image, next week's draft could be one of the most important steps in that process.

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