After making a deep playoff push in 2024 that returned them to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011, the Dallas Mavericks seemed to have a promising outlook heading into the 2024-25 season.
However, that optimism was turned on its head when GM Nico Harrison made a stunning move by trading franchise star Luka Dončić—who had already earned five All-NBA First Team selections by age 25—to the Los Angeles Lakers. In the deal, Dallas sent Dončić, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to L.A. and received injury-prone 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis (then 31), shooting guard Max Christie, and a lone future first-round pick in return.
To make the trade work financially, both the Lakers and Mavericks also sent 2025 second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, who absorbed the contract of seldom-used guard Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Davis, though still an elite two-way player, was a significant age and risk downgrade from the much younger Dončić. If Harrison doubted Dončić’s ability to repeat his 2024 form, the trade may have made sense from a talent swap perspective—but the lack of substantial draft compensation raised eyebrows.
For context, the Orlando Magic had recently surrendered four first-round picks and a pick swap to land Desmond Bane from Memphis—a player who’s never been an All-Star and has struggled with injuries.
At first, Harrison faced strong criticism over the decision. But things shifted when Dallas missed the playoffs and ended up landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft—expected to be used on Duke phenom Cooper Flagg. That stroke of luck helped quiet much of the backlash.
In the latest roster update, another Maverick has decided his fate for next season. According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line (via Substack), veteran big man Dwight Powell has opted into his $4 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign. He had until Tuesday to make the call—just one day before the NBA Draft.
Powell, a 6-foot-10 forward/center out of Stanford, saw limited action last season. At 33 years old, he likely recognized that he wouldn’t earn more than his current deal (which exceeds the vet minimum) on the open market. In 55 games last year, Powell averaged 2.1 points and 2.1 rebounds, shooting .689 from the field, .400 from three, and .651 from the free-throw line.
