Dallas Mavericks Season Preview
Re-signed: Markieff Morris, Brandon Williams
Additions: Spencer Dinwiddie (free agent), Quentin Grimes (trade), Naji Marshall (free agent), Klay Thompson (trade)
Draft Pick: Melvin Ajinca (No. 51 overall)
Departures: Josh Green (to Hornets), Tim Hardaway Jr. (to Pistons), Derrick Jones Jr. (to Clippers)
Unsigned Free Agents: Greg Brown III, Markieff Morris
Last Season Recap
The 2023-24 season was a breakthrough for the Dallas Mavericks, as Luka Dončić led the team to their first NBA Finals in his era. Luka had a career year, winning the scoring title with 33.9 points per game, finishing third in MVP voting, and staying mostly healthy. The Mavericks finished the season with 50 wins, bolstered by Dončić and Kyrie Irving, who finally settled into his role, forming the league’s highest-scoring duo.
Key midseason additions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford shored up the Mavs’ frontcourt, while rookie Dereck Lively II made significant progress, earning a solid place in the rotation. By season’s end, the Mavericks boasted the league’s top defense but fell just short in the Finals, losing to the Boston Celtics.
Summer Summary
GM Nico Harrison continued to impress by addressing the Mavericks’ weaknesses in the offseason. His biggest move was trading for four-time champion Klay Thompson, adding elite shooting to an already potent offense. Thompson’s championship experience will be invaluable, even though expectations for him to return to his prime form are tempered.
Losing Derrick Jones Jr. to the Clippers stung, as he was one of their top perimeter defenders, but the Mavs signed Naji Marshall as a potential replacement, hoping he can fill that role effectively. Overall, the front office made moves to bolster the team’s depth while keeping their championship core intact.
Player Spotlight: Klay Thompson
As Klay Thompson enters his 14th season, the biggest question is how much he has left in the tank. The Mavericks likely aren’t expecting the All-Star version of Thompson, but if he can consistently knock down open shots and space the floor for Dončić and Irving, he’ll be a valuable asset. His defense might not be at the level it once was, but his veteran presence and shooting could make a significant difference.
Season Outlook
The Mavericks are well-positioned to make another run at the Finals, though repeating last season’s success will be a challenge in the competitive Western Conference. Dereck Lively II is expected to take another step forward, complementing Daniel Gafford as part of a solid center rotation. The “Klay Factor” adds championship experience and another offensive threat, which could push Dallas back into title contention.
With few weaknesses on either side of the ball and Jason Kidd knowing how to get the most out of his personnel, the Mavericks should be among the top contenders in the West. However, the road to another Finals appearance will be difficult, with stronger competition in the conference this season.
