The Dallas Mavericks underwent an NBA offseason full of significant changes. The Mavericks’ eventful offseason included an overhaul of their front office, coaching staff, and roster. Most notably, Dallas’ new team president and alternate governor Masai Ujiri, new general manager Mike Schmitz, and new head coach Dusty May.
The Mavericks drafted Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio de Larrea in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. The Mavs traded AJ Johnson to the Memphis Grizzlies and Ryan Nembhard to the Atlanta Hawks, which allowed them to trade for Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, and Marcus Sasser.
Marvin Bagley III signed a one-year, $3,506,659 veteran minimum contract with the Denver Nuggets, while Khris Middleton returned to Washington, D.C. on a three-year, $17,612,034 contract. Middleton previously played for the Washington Wizards from February 2025 to February 2026.
Brandon Williams and Dwight Powell remain unsigned. Most recently, Williams has been impressing in the Golden State Warriors’ training camp, while Powell has been widely expected to join the Mavericks’ training camp. Powell’s status as the Mavs’ longest-tenured player, at 12 NBA seasons may not guarantee a spot at center due to a surplus in size among the current Mavs.
But did the Mavs actually improve this NBA offseason? It’s too early to tell, but Dallas may not be good enough to make a playoff push as a spot in the Play-In Tournament would be a more realistic prediction. Read on for further insight to make an informed decision.
What Did the Dallas Mavericks Solve?
The Dallas Mavericks made significant strides this past NBA offseason by addressing two of their biggest issues in three-point shooting and playmaking.
Tarik Biberovic was a lights-out shooter in the EuroLeague’s Fenerbahce, especially in the last three years. He scored a career-high 17 points, along with four rebounds, in the EuroLeague on October 19, 2023. He helped Fenerbahce to their second EuroLeague championship with a win over the defending champion Panathinaikos on May 25, 2025. He equaled his career record with 26 points in the EuroLeague playoffs on April 28, 2026.
Santi Aldama shot at least 35% from three-point range in each of the last two NBA seasons. Aldama’s three-point shooting not only showed consistency but also matched his career-long three-point percentage. Aldama can help the Mavericks with a rare combination of floor spacing, versatile scoring, and interior presence. He can also mentor Sergio de Larrea through friendship, professional basketball experience, and Spanish heritage.
Marcus Sasser proved his ability to be a high-level shooter in limited minutes. Last season, Sasser shot 41.5% from three-point range, a career-best, for the Detroit Pistons. Sasser’s shooting, defensive intensity, and shot-creation skills fit into the Mavericks’ roster needs. Since the Mavs lack in guard depth behind veteran Kyrie Irving, Sasser’s high-energy bench contributions should have both an offensive and defensive impact.
What Could the Mavericks Add?
The Mavericks could add an additional playmaker on its roster. Caleb Martin can be a point-of-attack defender, but his offense is rather situational. Martin is arguably better off playing three on offense.
The Mavs have several players who can defend wings, but no one really defends guards. The Mavs’ glaring problems in point-of-attack defense and roster balance issues should be addressed in the near future.
Did the Mavericks Improve?
The Mavericks partially improved this past NBA offseason in shooting, coaching, and roster balance, but not so much in defense and playmaking. However, Dallas still has some time to improve its chemistry, role clarity, and defensive schemes.
The Mavs take on the Houston Rockets in the 2026 NBA China Games on Friday, October 9 at 7 a.m. and Sunday, October 11 at 5 a.m. before returning home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. and Atlanta Hawks on Friday, October 16 at 7 p.m. All of the games are listed in Central time.
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