Amid Front-Office Shakeup, Dallas Weighs Future of Stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving

The Dallas Mavericks’ front-office upheaval has only intensified questions surrounding the futures of stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Days after the team dismissed general manager Nico Harrison, attention has quickly shifted to the roster and whether major personnel decisions could follow. The Mavericks’ 3–9 start has only added fuel to conversations that were already simmering among league observers.

According to reporting from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, executives around the NBA believe Dallas will face increasing pressure to evaluate all options, including the possibility of trading one or both of its high-profile stars. With the trade deadline still weeks away, rival teams anticipate the Mavericks becoming one of the most closely watched franchises in the league.

What makes the discussion more urgent is the value of Dallas’ lone remaining first-round pick of the decade — the 2026 selection, considered part of a deep draft class. Some insiders believe maximizing that pick could force the Mavericks to make difficult choices regarding their current veteran core.

At the center of the conversation is rookie forward Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick of 2025, whose potential has already convinced some evaluators that he may be the franchise’s clearest long-term foundation. With so much uncertainty surrounding the roster, Dallas’ next steps could reshape the organization well into the future.

1. Growing Pressure to Consider Major Trades

Even early in the season, the futures of Davis and Irving have become talking points among team executives and league insiders. According to Bontemps, multiple people he spoke with indicated that moving Davis — or even both stars — may be the “optimal strategy” for Dallas. Their reasoning centers not only on the team’s slow start but also on the opportunity to build around Flagg, who is expected to be the centerpiece of the franchise for years. The 2026 draft looms as a crucial factor. With Dallas controlling only one first-round pick for the remainder of the decade, maximizing its value has become an organizational priority. Trading veterans for assets could allow the Mavericks to lean fully into development while improving their position in a highly regarded draft class. An unnamed Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that when asked whether it was the right time to trade Davis and Irving, the response was “absolutely.” Such sentiments further highlight the external expectation that Dallas may pivot sooner rather than later. While the Mavericks have not signaled any official intention of starting a rebuild, the league-wide perception suggests that the team will need to confront its long-term future if it hopes to avoid a prolonged stretch of mediocrity.

2. Evaluating Anthony Davis’ Market Value

One of the central questions is what the trade market for Davis might look like. Windhorst noted that many executives believe moving Davis is not only viable but preferable, despite his stature and production. His age and recurring injury concerns, however, complicate his perceived value around the league. Rather than debating whether the Mavericks should trade Davis, Windhorst wrote that discussions increasingly revolve around what Dallas could realistically receive in return. This shift underscores the widespread belief that dealing the veteran big man is both logical and potentially necessary. The challenge for Dallas will be balancing Davis’ on-court impact with the long-term benefits of a trade. Although his talent remains undeniable, his availability concerns make him a risk for teams seeking a guaranteed anchor for a playoff run. Still, the consensus among executives appears to point toward a future in which Davis is more valuable to the Mavericks as a trade asset than as a long-term building block.

3. Cooper Flagg and the Franchise’s Long-Term Vision

As speculation grows, one thing seems increasingly clear: Cooper Flagg is central to the Mavericks’ vision. The 2025 No. 1 pick has quickly impressed the organization with his versatility, poise, and two-way potential. Many around the league believe Dallas sees him as the player to build around, regardless of what happens with the current veteran core. A move toward a Flagg-centered rebuild would give the Mavericks the runway to develop young talent while aligning their roster with his timeline. Trading Davis or Irving — or potentially both — would create additional cap flexibility and bring in assets to better complement Flagg’s future growth. The Mavericks also face the reality that their start to the season has left them behind in a competitive Western Conference. A strategic reset could allow Dallas to pivot early enough to reshape its trajectory rather than clinging to an uncertain playoff chase. Whether or not the Mavericks ultimately choose to overhaul their roster, the franchise appears to be entering a period in which long-term planning will heavily influence short-term decision-making.