In February, the Los Angeles Lakers traded 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal that sent Luka Doncic the other way. However, the season ended in disappointment as the Mavericks failed to make the playoffs, following several injury setbacks to its starting core, including Anthony Davis who suffered a left adductor strain in his debut.
Fast forward to June and the Mavericks now enter the 2025-26 season boasting an improved and talented roster that could make them strong title contenders. The addition of rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, selected first overall in last week's NBA Draft, alongside seasoned All‑Stars Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving gives Dallas one of the most complete starting roster on paper.
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3).
© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
If healthy, this core look poised to make a deep playoff push next year.
However, the Mavericks currently lack a reliable point guard option following Irving’s torn ACL toward the end of last season. That void has led Dallas to pursue veteran ball‑handlers ahead of Irving's anticipated return.
Now, a recent report from NBA Insider Jake Fischer indicates that the Mavericks are “widely expected” to sign D’Angelo Russell to a two‑year, $12 million deal once free agency begins.
The move would reunite Davis with his former Lakers teammate. Russell and Davis shared the locker room for three seasons before the guard was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in December.
The pairing of Davis and Russell during their time in Los Angeles helped lead the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in 2023.