NBA Draft 2022: Will the Dallas Mavericks make a pick?

The Dallas Mavericks traded their first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft with four players to the Houston Rockets for Christian Wood on June 15. The surprising trade gives Dallas a center upgrade and clears some roster space heading into the offseason.

The deal cannot be completed until after the draft because of the Stepien Rule. NBA teams are not allowed to trade first-round picks in consecutive years, and the Mavs owe their 2023 first to the Knicks from the original Kristaps Porzingis trade. Dallas will technically make the 26th overall selection, and it will be traded to Houston after draft night.

The Christian Wood trade left the Mavericks without a draft pick for the second straight year. They did not make a selection in 2021, and they traded their second-round pick at the deadline to Washington in the Porzingis for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans swap. Dallas currently does not have a pick, but will they make one on June 23?

NBA Draft 2022: Will the Dallas Mavericks make a pick?

Fans should not expect the Mavs to draft a player. They are in win-now mode and are looking for veterans that can help them take the next step after reaching the conference finals. Dallas has a two-way contract available, and they will likely sign multiple undrafted free agents to play in the Las Vegas Summer League with the standout staying on the two-way.

June 23 will likely be a quiet night for the Mavericks unless they can find a trade. Dallas is searching for a 3-and-D wing and veterans to round out their bench. General manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison continues to work the phones trying to find the right deal. Fans should not expect a draft night trade, but do not rule one out completely.

The 2022 NBA Draft will bring plenty of drama and excitement even if the Dallas Mavericks do not make a selection. There will be multiple franchise-altering players in this class, and fans can find out where they land on June 23, so be sure to tune in and enjoy.