After their 2024 NBA Finals appearance, the Dallas Mavericks raised high expectations from everyone but ended up with significant roster changes and a disappointing 39-43 record. Finishing 10th in the Western Conference, they clinched a Play-In Tournament spot but lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022-23.
The Good:
Klay Thompson Acquisition:
The Mavericks made a splash by acquiring four-time champion Klay Thompson via a six-team sign-and-trade from Golden State on July 6, 2024. Thompson shot over 40% from three in December, providing the elite shooting Dallas needed to complement their stars.
Anthony Davis Trade:
In a blockbuster February 2, 2025, trade, the Mavericks acquired All-NBA forward-center Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick from the Lakers.
Individual Performances:
Kyrie Irving: Had one of the best seasons of his career before a season-ending ACL injury on March 3, 2025, earning an All-Star nod and averaging high-level production.
Dereck Lively II: Emerged as a defensive force, earning Rising Stars Challenge recognition and leading the team with 1.6 blocks per game, positioning him as a potential All-Defensive candidate until he went down.
Supporting Cast: P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes, and Spencer Dinwiddie provided versatility and energy.
Draft Lottery Win:
Despite a 1.8% chance, the Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, securing the first overall pick. This unexpected boon offers a chance to draft a transformative talent like Cooper Flagg, softening the blow of their playoff miss and their infamous blockbuster trade.
Early Season Resilience:
The Mavericks went 6-2 without Luka Dončić early in the season, showcasing depth and adaptability under coach Jason Kidd. They also started 16-9, with Dončić leading in points (28.1 PPG), rebounds (8.4 RPG), assists (7.9 APG), and steals (2.1 SPG).
The Bad
Luka Dončić Trade:
Dallas triggered a controversial trade that sent their franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. Fans called it one of the saddest moments in franchise history, projecting revenue losses in the nine figures over coming years. As a result, this move disrupted their team identity and chemistry.
Injuries:
Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending torn ACL on March 3, 2025, derailing the team’s momentum.
Anthony Davis had an adductor injury in his Mavericks debut on February 8, 2025, which limited his early impact.
Roster Instability:
The midseason trade and injuries forced constant lineup adjustments, undermining continuity. The team struggled to integrate Davis and Thompson fully, finishing with a 29-26 record before the trade and faltering afterward.
Fan-base Backlash:
The Dončić trade eroded trust in GM Nico Harrison and ownership, with some calling the front office out of touch with Dallas’ basketball community.
Defensive and Offensive Inconsistencies:
While Davis and Lively bolstered the defense, Thompson’s struggles with lateral quickness and shot selection occasionally hampered the team. The offense, expected to be elite with Thompson’s shooting, failed to rank among the league’s best post-trade, reflecting chemistry issues.
