Dirk Nowitzki
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Dirk Nowitzki did not hold back when discussing the Mavericks start to the 2025-26 campaign
The Dallas Mavericks admitted failure over the infamous Luka Doncic trade by sending Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards just one year later. Dallas decided to give up on the idea of Davis remaining with the franchise. There was once hope for rookie Cooper Flagg to form chemistry with Kyrie Irving and Davis to contend for an NBA Championship this season. However, lackluster results and more injury problems for Davis led to the Mavericks trading him for little in return.
Amazon Sports’ analyst and Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki spoke on the team’s trade giving them little to improve:
“There’s not a lot that came back with picks or player wise, so this is really all about financial flexibility for the future. They got rid of contracts that were not favorable for the franchise. I’m a little disappointed. I think AD and Cooper Flagg was a solid combo, but we’ll never know.”
Dallas clearly chose to give up on the idea of competing now since the team has already fallen back in the play-in race this season. Irving is not expected to return until next season from injury, and Davis has missed too many games for the Mavericks to trust him.
Dirk Nowitzki Felt Dallas Quit Prematurely
Nowitzki’s overall point was about wanting to see Davis and Flagg on the same team together for a longer time. Flagg is a rare top rookie prospect with a strong reputation for already playing superb defense. Davis had a similar reputation as an elite prospect with two-way skills.
Dallas did look like a good team when they were healthy this season, especially when Davis and Flagg were on the court together. Unfortunately, Davis has missed 33 games this season and was recently ruled out for the rest of Washington’s year to further reveal his injury concerns.
Nowitzki wanted to see if Flagg, Davis and Irving could compete in the West next season once the expectations are higher. Mavericks’ management decided to cut bait now and rebuild the roster around Flagg. Davis having just one guaranteed year left on his contract after this season made it an easier call to avoid offering him an extension in favor of a trade.
Dirk Nowitzki Disliked What Mavericks Received
Dallas received four players of Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley in exchange for Davis. None of the four players are expected to be major pieces, but Jones is a respected NBA player. Jones can make next season’s rotation and contribute when the team aims to win.
Bagley and Johnson are lottery ticket players to come at their lowest value and have the chance to develop under the Mavericks. Middleton is expected to be a veteran presence on the team until his contract expires or they buy him out.
Nowitzki criticized the trade package that Dallas got since they received no instant difference makers and just two draft picks. One of the picks is from the Oklahoma City Thunder this season to see that being likely the last pick in the first round. Mavericks fans respect Nowitzki’s impact and likely have similar thoughts, especially since they traded away Luka for Davis not that long ago.