Mavericks offseason tier list: Who's safe, who should be traded, who’s as good as gone

The Dallas Mavericks' first full offseason to build around Cooper Flagg is officially here, and Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz have some massive decisions to make as they look to retool this roster. Their efforts to do this begin tonight at the 2026 NBA Draft.

Dallas has five free agents and multiple players who have already been in trade rumors, making this summer extremely crucial as they enter this new era with Dusty May as the new head coach. The Mavericks have a decent young core in place, headlined by Cooper Flagg, Dereck Lively II, Max Christie, and Ryan Nembhard, and this year's draft is only going to strengthen this group.

Dallas, though, will have to be strategic when it comes to who they bring back, as they'll need the roster space to bring in multiple upcoming rookies starting this evening. Ujiri and Schmitz will have their hands full, but one player whom they won't have a tough choice to make with is Cooper Flagg.

Untouchable: Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks should not trade Flagg under any circumstances, and Ujiri and Schmitz are operating with this thought in mind as well. Ujiri seems ecstatic to build around the teenage prodigy, and he became the team's new franchise cornerstone the second that they drafted him last summer.

He has generational talent, a deep desire for winning, and a two-way ability that shouldn't make building around him challenging.

He is a special player who's fresh off winning Rookie of the Year, and every move that Dallas makes moving forward should have him at the front of their minds.

Mavericks fans had Luka Doncic ripped away from them last February, and thankfully for fans, trading Flagg is the last thing that this front office would consider in their first summer on the job.

Safe bet to return — for now: Kyrie Irving

The Mavericks are getting trade calls from teams around the NBA for Kyrie Irving, and for now, they're not looking to trade him. He has been excellent on and off the court since being acquired by Dallas at the trade deadline in 2023, and Ujiri seems excited to see him take the floor with Flagg for the first time.

Despite Dallas' preference to keep the star guard for now, things could quickly change later this offseason or during the regular season if they get a trade offer that is too valuable to ignore. The Mavericks need young players and draft capital to build around Flagg, and with Irving turning 35 years old next season, he's not on the same timeline as Flagg.

This isn't to say that he can't work with Flagg, but Uncle Drew shouldn't be untouchable as the Mavs try to put a contender around the Maine Event.

Dallas must stay patient with him: Dereck Lively II

Dereck Lively II has played in fewer than 100 games through his first three seasons in the NBA, leaving Dallas in an interesting position. They couldn’t get good value for him even if they wanted to move on, and they’re stuck in the middle with their 7-foot-1 center.

They should certainly keep him as he enters his fourth season in the NBA, and his success next season will highly depend on his health.

D-Live staying healthy and fitting well with Flagg should cement him as a key piece of the young core before he enters restricted free agency next summer. Another injury-riddled season could result in the exact opposite.

The Mavericks should do whatever they can to keep him: Moussa Cisse

Moussa Cisse was extremely impressive during his rookie season, averaging 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 57.4 percent from the field in just 13.9 minutes per game. He was extremely impactful in his minutes, and he's the type of player Dallas can't let go.

His rookie year was just the start of who he can be one day, as his hustle, rebounding, shot blocking, and lob finishing were all major pluses. The Mavericks need more young players around Flagg, and at the very least, they should sign Cisse to another two-way deal. Dallas struck gold by signing him after the 2025 NBA Draft, and teams from the second round have to be regretting passing up on the Guinean big man.

A case can be made that he deserves a standard contract, and this case would become even more convincing if Dallas trades Gafford.

Opt into his contract and bet on his development: Ryan Nembhard

The Mavericks have a player option on Ryan Nembhard's contract this summer, and they should definitely pick it up. He showed plenty of promise as a rookie, including a 28-point double-double and a 23-assist double-double in the final game of the season.

Nembhard is certainly the best passer on the team, and with Dallas building for the future, there's no reason to opt out of the team option and allow him to hit free agency. He has the potential to grow into even more of a reliable point guard, especially if he becomes more assertive and increases his 3-point volume, and his chemistry with Flagg is too strong to give up on.

Dallas needs his shooting and he can't be traded: John Poulakidas

The Mavs would have to waive John Poulakidas if they wanted to get rid of him since he's on a two-way deal, and he showed more than enough during his 13 games of action to prove Dallas should keep him. He shot 40.3 percent from three on 5.9 attempts per game, making him one of 12 players who shot at least 40.3 percent from three on at least 5.9 attempts per game.

The other 11 players were Jamal Murray, Kon Knueppel, Isaiah Joe, Sam Merrill, Ty Jerome, AJ Green, Miles McBride, Duncan Robinson, Royce O'Neale, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Ryan Rollins. This is elite company for the former rookie to be in, and Dallas needs to hold onto him if they hope to improve their 3-point shooting next season.

The Mavericks were one of the worst shooting teams in the entire NBA last season, but Poulakidas was a major bright spot. He scored 20+ points in two of the final three games of the season, including an eight 3-pointer performance in the final game of the season against the Chicago Bulls.

Dallas is lucky that they have him on a two-way contract for another season, and it wouldn't be a shock if he earns a standard deal before the end of the 2026-27 season.

Keep him with the hope he becomes a high-level starter: Max Christie

Max Christie’s ceiling is hard to judge as the 23-year-old wing enters his fifth season in the NBA. Many Mavericks fans were certain that he’s a star in the making after seeing how he played immediately following the trade that sent him to Dallas, but he’s come back down to Earth since.

He averaged a career-high 12.3 points per game last season while shooting over 40 percent from three for the first time since his rookie season, showcasing he can knock down open shots while playing sound defense on the other end.

Is this enough to justify an extension this summer, though?

Dallas has no reason to trade him right now, as they need all the young talent they can get around Flagg, but this season will be crucial for his career arc. Christie remaining a high-level starter, even with Irving back in the lineup, should be a good sign of what’s to come.

His offensive game still has plenty of room for growth, and Dallas should bet on his potential with the hope he can develop into much more than just a 3-and-D two-guard.

Keep him and rebuild his trade value at the very least: Caleb Martin

Caleb Martin's time with the Mavericks began as a disaster.

He only played in 14 games to finish the 2024-25 season after being acquired by Dallas in exchange for Quentin Grimes, and he averaged just 5.4 points per game while shooting 38.9 percent from the field and 25 percent from downtown. Grimes, on the other hand, put up 21.9 points per game in Philly.

It was a trade that every Mavericks fan wished the team could take back. What made this move look even worse is that Martin's contract goes through the end of the 2027-28 season (assuming he opts into his $9.37 million player option next summer).

Dallas looked like they were stuck with an unplayable 6-foot-5 wing whose prime was way behind him, but last season changed that narrative. He began to knock down open shots again and remains one of the best defenders on the team. It was easy to see how he'd fit on the team moving forward, as he can defend multiple positions, provide tenacity at the point of attack, and make open shots.

Martin began to look like the player Dallas traded for toward the end of the season, as he averaged 6.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 42.9 percent from long range over his final 25 games of the season. His confidence was noticeably climbing as he got healthier.

If Dallas can get positive value back for Martin this summer, they should explore trading him. He's no longer on the team's timeline, as he will turn 31 years old before the start of next season.

This seems unlikely, though, as teams likely still consider him a negative asset after playing in less than 65 games for the third season in a row. With this in mind, the smartest plan for the Mavs may be to allow him to build trade value (assuming he can stay healthy) before potentially moving on ahead of the trade deadline.

Teams are always looking for 3-and-D wings, and Martin is the definition of this when he's at his best.

Re-signing him is logical, but seems unlikely: Marvin Bagley III

Marvin Bagley III was excellent for the Mavericks after being acquired in the Anthony Davis trade, but this summer brings forth a crossroads that Mavs fans aren't going to like. He's an unrestricted free agent after averaging 11.0 points per game in Dallas while shooting 48.5 percent from three, meaning he's due for a raise.

Bagley III gave the Mavs' frontcourt a massive shooting boost that they needed, and while re-signing him makes sense, it seems unlikely. He is already 27 years old, and with Dallas having three picks in the NBA Draft, it seems likely that they'll consider drafting another big man. Cisse is also set to hit free agency, and after an impressive rookie season, he may be the better option of the two players.

If the Mavs can get Bagley III for a bargain deal in free agency, they should be all over it. It seems like Bagley III's time with the Mavericks will end after just a few months despite his undeniable fit, but the idea of a return could become more likely if Dallas trades Daniel Gafford.

Summer League and training camp should be his dress rehearsal: Tyler Smith

The Mavs signed Tyler Smith to a two-year, two-way deal toward the end of last season, but this doesn't make him a lock to be on the roster to begin next season. Two-way deals are easy for teams to get out of, and Dallas should evaluate Smith's game all offseason before deciding if they'd like to hold onto him.

Smith averaged 4.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in 12 games for Dallas while shooting 42 percent from the field, and while the 6-foot-9 forward showed some promise, including a 20-point game, the Mavs should consider other options for this two-way spot as well.

He provides versatility, defense, and shooting, but Dallas didn't get to see a whole lot of that last season. The team should see how he looks next to the team's new rookies and other young players in Summer League before making any decisions, but his return shouldn't be guaranteed by any means.

Trade these veterans for the right price: Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington

Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington have both been crucial pieces for the Mavericks over the last few seasons, but both of their futures get far more murky this offseason. Washington's four-year, $88.8 million extension kicks in next season, while Marshall is on an expiring contract worth over $9 million.

Both players are still huge contributors for Dallas, with Marshall averaging over 15 points per game for them last year and Washington putting up 14.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, but they aren't the definition of long-term fits. Washington is a shaky fit with Flagg, and even though Marshall just had the best season of his career, his fit on a fully healthy Mavericks team may be in question as well.

Marshall is at his best with the ball in his hands and struggles as a shooter. With Irving set to come back, his ball-handling responsibilities will naturally decrease. Combine this with the potential that Dallas drafts a guard in the 2026 NBA Draft, and we could see Marshall's role change even more.

He's not the best off-ball player, and with the Mavericks' need for shooting, they could elect to move on at the right price. Teams around the NBA were interested in Marshall at last year's trade deadline, and his team-friendly contract, coupled with his two-way ability, should help Dallas get good value back for him if they move on.

In Washington's case, the Mavs should be able to get great value back for him as well. His long-term fit in Dallas was immediately questioned after they drafted Flagg last summer, as he plays the same position as Washington, but every team needs a player like P.J.

He defends, rebounds, hustles, and provides versatility, and he has already proven that he steps up his game when the playoffs roll around. The Mavericks should be able to get back a valuable return for the 6-foot-7 forward who has already been in trade rumors this offseason, and it should include a first-round pick at the very least.

Parting with these veterans makes sense for both sides: Dwight Powell and Khris Middleton

Dwight Powell is one of five players in Mavericks franchise history to play in at least 700 games, but this summer may be the perfect time to move on. The 34-year-old center will hit unrestricted free agency after his 11th full season in Dallas, and with the Mavericks kicking off a new era, Powell no longer fits their timeline. He will always be beloved by fans for his hustle, team-first attitude, and top-notch leadership, but the team won't have enough roster space to bring him back.

Dallas should prioritize bringing back Cisse, and if they keep Daniel Gafford and Lively II as well, this makes Powell the odd man out.

For Khris Middleton, it doesn't make much sense to re-sign him either. The Mavs would be getting a steal if they could sign him to a veteran minimum, but that seems unlikely.

He had some great moments as a Maverick, including two games with 25+ points, but the 6-foot-7 swingman needs to go play for a contender. Dallas isn't in a position to contend, and Middleton should sign with a team that needs more scoring and shooting off the bench.

Dallas needs both of these things, but preferably from someone 10-15 years younger.

Trading these players is the best path forward: Daniel Gafford and Klay Thompson

Both Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford have been in trade rumors this summer, and Dallas should do their best to get positive value for both players on the trade market while they still can.

Thompson is already 36 years old, and with teams across the league always needing shooting, they should be able to get back decent value for him. His expiring $17.5 million contract certainly holds some value, and he would fit much better on a team trying to win a title rather than a rebuilding squad.

With Gafford, it just seems like the end of the road. He has given his all as a Maverick and was a key piece in their run to the 2024 NBA Finals, but he has been expendable for some time now.

He's been in trade rumors several different times since being acquired by the Mavericks, and while having some insurance behind Lively II would be nice, they can find that elsewhere. Gafford is best utilized when playing with a pick-and-roll maestro who can serve him alley-oops on a silver platter, and that team won't be Dallas anymore since Luka Doncic is long gone.

The Mavericks should let him walk in free agency: Brandon Williams

Brandon Williams' ascension was one of the few positive stories from a 56-loss season in Dallas, but it makes sense for the Mavericks to move on. They'll likely draft a guard with one of their three draft picks, and with Nembhard and Irving under contract, it wouldn't be logical to give long-term money to another undersized guard.

Additionally, Williams may be too expensive for Dallas to keep, as he put up 13.0 points per game while shooting 47.2 percent from the field. His finishing at the rim and scoring from the mid-range were excellent all season, but it makes the most sense for both sides to head in separate directions.

Williams deserves to be a premier spark plug off the bench for a team, and Dallas just can't give him that role anymore, given how the roster will likely look once opening night rolls around.

If Dallas has the chance to trade him, they should: AJ Johnson

After playing for three teams through his first two seasons in the NBA, it may be wise for Dallas to include AJ Johnson in a larger trade if one materializes. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged just 3.9 points per game while shooting 32.3 percent from the field and 15.6 percent from long range for the Mavs last season, and the clock is ticking for him to emerge as a rotation player.

Dallas could elect to keep him for one more season with the hope that his jumper improves and that he puts on some muscle, but the odds of him living up to the hype of being a first-round pick are looking slim.

His game is still super raw, and his speed and athleticism provide some hope, but the Mavs may be better off with an open roster spot rather than betting on a flash in the pan.

Add us as a preferred source on Google