Dallas Mavericks: Five things you need to know

• ‍2025 number one overall pick Cooper Flagg ready to initiate new era
• Franchise known for innovative ownership under Mark Cuban
• 2011 NBA champions led by Dirk Nowitzki

The Dallas Mavericks are one of three NBA franchises based in the state of Texas. Founded in 1980 as part of an NBA expansion, the Dallas Mavericks are the youngest Texas-based NBA franchise, winning one NBA Championship in the 2011 season. The franchise, with the help of legendary player Dirk Nowitzki has become one of the most popular franchises in the NBA, backed by some of the most passionate fans you can find in the United States.

2024-25 NBA Season Summary

• Record: 39-43
• Finish: 10th seed (Lost in Play-In tournament to the Memphis Grizzles)
• All-Star Selections: Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis

The Dallas Mavericks’ 2024-25 season was chaotic, highlighted by the shocking trade of what many thought was untouchable piece Luka Doncic.

The acquisition of Anthony Davis in return divided Maverick’s fans, especially when considering the side had made the Finals the year before. The Mavericks, in the absence of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving for some time, still managed to make the play-in tournament where they defeated the Sacramento Kings in the first round before losing to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second.

Offseason Moves

Re-signing: Dante Exum returns on 1-year deal; and Kyrie Irving agrees to 3-year extension

Ins: D’Angelo Russell agrees to 2-year deal

Outs: Spencer Dinwiddie departs in free agency to Hornets

The Dallas Mavericks had an excellent offseason, drafting top talent Cooper Flagg with the number 1 pick.

Mavs fans were excited to hear of the news that NBA Champion Kyrie Irving would remain with the team for three more years, giving him time to rehab his ACL tear late last season.

In Irving’s absence, the returning guard Dante Exum and offseason addition D’Angelo Russell are expected to share point guard duties and lead a new look Mavs side for a large portion of the season. Despite losing key scorer Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency, the Mavs bench with the likes of Naji Marshall, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford provides plenty of attack and interior defence.

If the Mavs can stay healthy for the 25/26 season, they have a big chance of making noise in the West and may be in contention to finish as a higher seed. With the injury to Kyrie Irving, the Mavs won't be able to field their best starting lineup until around the halfway mark of the season. With Cooper Flagg ushering in a new Mavs era, Dallas’ progress in the upcoming season will be one of the most covered stories to come out of the NBA.

2025-26 Predicted Lineup

• Point Guard: D’Angelo Russell
• Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson
• Small Forward: Cooper Flagg
• Power Forward: Anthony Davis
• Centre: Derrick Lively II

Australians who have played for the Dallas Mavericks

Josh Green: Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Green was selected by the Mavericks with the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Over four seasons with Dallas, he developed into a versatile wing player, known for his athleticism and defensive prowess. In July 2024, Green was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.

Dante Exum: Hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, Exum signed with the Mavericks in July 2023, marking his return to the NBA after playing in Europe. This offseason the Mavericks extended his contract by a year, valuing the depth he provides at the guard position and his playmaking skills.

History of the Dallas Mavericks

In 1980, the Dallas Mavericks were founded as an NBA expansion team. In their early years the Mavs were led by All-Stars Mark Aguirre and Rolando Blackman who guided the team to multiple playoff berths. In the Aguirre-Rolando era, the side's success culminated when they took the Los Angeles Lakers to a seven-game series in the Western Conference Finals.

In one of the most iconic Draft night trades, the Dallas Mavericks acquired German international Dirk Nowitzki and point guard Steve Nash in a multi- team trade. Dirk Nowitzki would become the Mavericks best ever player, and to this day remains the only player to stay with a single franchise for 21 years.

In his time at Dallas, Dirk led the team to two NBA Finals, winning Finals MVP in their Championship triumph in 2011 against the Miami Heat’s Big Three. On top of leading the franchise to their first Championship, Dirk was selected for 14 All-Stars and was named MVP in the 2007 NBA season.

Dirk passed the torch to NBA superstar Luka Doncic in 2018, when the Mavericks acquired him in another Draft night trade. As one of the future faces of the NBA, Dončić led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024 where the Boston Celtics won in five games. In one of the most surprising trades in NBA history, the Mavericks sent Luka Dončić, Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.

The Mavs acquired the number one overall pick in the 2025 Draft and selected future superstar Cooper Flagg. Accompanied by big man Anthony Davis and point guard Kyrie Irving, the Mavs boast an exciting, competitive roster that can challenge in the coming years.

Identity

With a name like the Mavericks, a culture of hard work, innovation and freedom would inevitably be cultivated. With a talented pool of big men, the Mavericks have emphasised the importance of stretch bigs and two-way players. Under the guidance of coach Jason Kidd, the Mavs have built a strong offensive system that relies on ball movement, three-point shooting and up-tempo pace. This new look Mavs side may look to adjust this playstyle to better suit a more dominant and aggressive philosophy.

Five Fast Facts

1. Founded in 1980 as an expansion team
2. Won first NBA championship in 2011 led by Dirk Nowitzki
3. Purchased by Mark Cuban in 2000 for $285 million
4. Drafted Luka Dončić in 2018, ushering in new era
5. Made NBA Finals in 2006, 2011, and 2024

Club Timeline

• 1980: Mavericks founded as NBA expansion team
• 2000: Mark Cuban purchases team
• 2011: Win first NBA championship
• 2018: Draft Luka Dončić
• 2024: Return to NBA Finals, lose to Boston Celtics
• 2025: Win number one overall pick in the 2025 Draft and select Cooper Flagg

The Dallas Mavericks are one of the most exciting teams to keep an eye on heading into the 2025/26 season. With Cooper Flagg ready to take the NBA by storm, and Anthony Davis ready to prove doubters wrong, the Mavs are ready to take a jump in the Western Conference and compete for titles in future years. With the mentality of a Maverick, expect to see an exciting, dominant and unique brand of basketball from Dallas in the upcoming season.