What happens if Dallas Mavericks are found guilty of tanking by NBA probe?

The Dallas Mavericks faced a massive game on April 7. They needed to win their final two games, plus get help to reach the Play-In Tournament. The Mavs were also tied for the tenth-worst record in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls. The winner of Friday's game would likely have the 11th highest lottery odds, and the loser in tenth, which is massive as the Mavericks only keep their first-round pick if it lands in the top ten on draft night.

Dallas decided to try to keep their draft choice by resting five players, including superstar Kyrie Irving. Luka Doncic played, but he was taken out after 13 minutes on the floor. LD did not return as the Bulls grabbed the win with a fourth-quarter comeback to eliminate Dallas from playoff contention.

The Mavericks' actions are now the subject of an NBA investigation about tanking, but what will happen if the franchise is found guilty?

What happens if Dallas Mavericks are found guilty of tanking by NBA probe?

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was fined $600,000 for tanking in 2018 when he publicly admitted it, so there is a bit of a history here.

Multiple teams tank every year, but the moves by Dallas on Friday night were clear and a bit egregious. The Bulls were also trying to lose the game. They rested Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Patrick Beverley, so the Mavericks took extreme measures, including playing five end of the bench options with the game on the line. Dallas got their wish, but it will likely be a costly one.

The Mavericks will likely receive a fine or possible suspension for owner Mark Cuban or general manager Nico Harrison from the NBA if found guilty. The maximum fine is $1 million, which is likely given Cuban was already fined in 2018. There has not been a tanking suspension in league history, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver made it clear back in October of 2022 that he was watching tanking closely this season with Victor Wembanyama slated to be the number one overall pick.

The Dallas Mavericks are planning on sitting multiple players in their season finale on April 9 as they host the San Antonio Spurs. Do not be surprised to see another loss for Dallas as they try to keep their top-ten pick. Will it result in owner Mark Cuban being fined for tanking? Stay tuned for all the latest.