The Dallas Mavericks have navigated a pivotal 48 hours, making significant moves that will shape the franchise for years to come. On the court, the team charted a new course during the 2026 NBA Draft, while off the court, the organization took a major step toward building a new home.

The Mavericks selected Michigan forward Morez Johnson with the ninth overall pick, a decision that surprised many draft analysts who had projected the team to target a guard or wing . The 6-foot-9 Johnson brings defensive tenacity and rim-protecting ability to a frontcourt already featuring Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg . In his sophomore season with the Wolverines, Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 62.3% from the field .

New head coach Dusty May, hired earlier this month after leading Michigan to a national championship, played a key role in the selection. May coached Johnson in college and provided the front office with extensive insight into his game and character . The Mavericks’ decision to draft Johnson signals a commitment to building through the frontcourt, a strategy May employed successfully in Ann Arbor .

However, the addition of Johnson creates a logjam in the frontcourt. The Mavericks already have a crowded rotation that includes Flagg, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Naji Marshall . With Johnson expected to see regular minutes, speculation has grown that Dallas may explore trades to balance the roster . Washington, Gafford, and Lively have all surfaced in trade rumors in the past, and Johnson’s arrival could push the front office to make a move .

The Mavericks also bolstered their backcourt by acquiring Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea in a trade with the New York Knicks . Dallas sent the 30th pick and two future second-round selections to New York for De Larrea, who was selected 25th overall . The 6-foot-7 guard has impressed overseas, winning the Spanish Supercup MVP and being named Liga ACB’s best young player . It remains unclear whether De Larrea will play in the NBA next season or remain in Spain for further development .

These moves come as the Mavericks undergo a significant organizational overhaul. In May, the team hired Masai Ujiri as team president, who quickly decided to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd and bring in May . The franchise is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw the team finish with a 26-56 record . With Kyrie Irving expected to return from injury, the Mavericks are hoping to build a competitive roster around Flagg and their new acquisitions .

Off the court, the Mavericks are planning for the future. The team announced a preliminary agreement on a 104-acre site for a new arena, located on the former site of Valley View Mall about 10 miles north of downtown Dallas . The move would mark the first time the franchise has played outside of downtown since its inception in 1980 . The team is aiming to complete the new arena by 2031, when its lease at the American Airlines Center expires .

Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, who was brought out of retirement to oversee the arena project, has emphasized the team’s desire to build a basketball-only facility . The proposed development would include restaurants, entertainment options, and public green spaces, creating a mixed-use destination . The agreement is still preliminary, as the team had also been considering a downtown site at the current location of City Hall . A decision is expected by July to allow for construction to be completed on time .

The 2026 NBA Draft marks the beginning of a new era for the Mavericks. With a new front office, a new head coach, and a new draft class, the franchise is working to rebuild its roster while planning a future that will take it out of downtown Dallas for the first time. The Mavericks hold the 48th pick in the second round and could remain active in the trade market as they reshape their roster.