Dallas Mavericks

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Mavericks entered the 2025 NBA draft holding the first overall pick. They had previously traded their second-round pick to the Utah Jazz as part of the Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis three-team trade in February 2025. Despite having only a 1.8% chance of securing the top selection, they won the NBA draft lottery, becoming the second consecutive team to reach the postseason (via the NBA play-in tournament) and subsequently win the lottery without a trade, joining the 2023–24 Atlanta Hawks. Their lottery position was partly determined by winning a coin flip over the Chicago Bulls, which kept them in the 11th spot prior to the lottery draw. Landing the first overall pick granted them the opportunity to rebuild after trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the year. With the first overall pick, Dallas selected Duke University forward Cooper Flagg.

In Their Own Story

The preseason schedule was announced on July 30, 2025. The regular season schedule was announced on August 14, 2025. On November 11, 2025, president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison was fired. On January 29, 2026, the Mavericks retired Mark Aguirre's jersey number 24 during their game against the Charlotte Hornets. On March 10, the Mavericks were unable to improve on their 39-win record from the previous season following a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. On March 23, the Mavericks were eliminated from playoff contention for the second consecutive season and third time in four seasons following an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors. They finished the regular season with a 26–56 record and 12th in the West, ranking behind the New Orleans Pelicans due to 1–3 season series tiebreaker despite the two teams finishing with identical records.

Reader's Guide

The Mavericks' season was defined by the arrival of rookie Cooper Flagg, drafted first overall after the team won the draft lottery with a 1.8% chance. Flagg went on to win NBA Rookie of the Year. The team struggled to a 26–56 record, finishing 12th in the Western Conference. They were eliminated from playoff contention on March 23 after an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors. The Mavericks ranked behind the New Orleans Pelicans due to losing the season series 1–3 despite identical records. Key dates include the firing of Nico Harrison on November 11, 2025, and the retirement of Mark Aguirre's jersey on January 29, 2026.

Did You Know?

• The Mavericks won the draft lottery despite having only a 1.8% chance of securing the top selection.
• Cooper Flagg, drafted first overall, won the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
• The Mavericks retired Mark Aguirre's jersey number 24 on January 29, 2026.
• The Mavericks finished with a 26–56 record, tied with the New Orleans Pelicans but ranked 12th due to losing the season series 1–3.
• Nico Harrison was fired as president of basketball operations and general manager on November 11, 2025.