Cooper Flagg's Mavs Select Morez Johnson Jr. With No. 9 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft

BROOKLYN — The first major decision of the Masai Ujiri and Dusty May era in Dallas has been made.

After weeks of speculation surrounding who the Dallas Mavericks may select with the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the organization opted for Michigan product Morez Johnson Jr., adding another young building block next to franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg.

Standing at 6-foot-9, Johnson is set to become a key piece of Dallas’ frontcourt of the future. During his sophomore season at Michigan, he showcased the blend of physicality and defensive versatility that made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the class.

Under May’s tutelage in 2026, Johnson emerged as a key piece to the Wolverines’ title run while being named to the Second-team All-Big Ten and to the All-Big Ten Defensive Team. 

READ MORE: Mavs' Cooper Flagg Earns Elite Spot in NBA Draft Ranking

While Flagg immediately established himself as the face of the Mavericks' future, Dallas entered draft night needing to continue adding young, high-upside pieces capable of growing alongside him — and that's exactly where Johnson fits.

Whether it’s his ability to protect the rim, dominate the glass, or bring relentless energy on both ends of the floor, the 20-year-old gives Dallas another versatile piece that complements the foundation already in place.

While there was some speculation that Masai Ujiri would opt for Arizona’s Brayden Burries, the decision to bring in May ultimately helped dictate who the Mavericks’ next cornerstone would be. 

May has built his reputation on maximizing young talent, and Johnson now becomes a project the new Mavericks’ head coach gets to continue working on. After helping guide Michigan to its first National Title since 1989, May will look to adjust Johnson’s game to the professional level as Dallas begins building its next contender.

READ MORE: Mavs' Dusty May Makes NBA Jump After 'Frustrating' Time at Michigan

Now entering the 2026-27 campaign with high expectations in year two of the Flagg era, the reigning Rookie of the Year will look to guide the franchise back to the postseason for the first time since the Luka Doncic trade while playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Johnson under May's tutelage.

And even if Dallas' climb back to contention doesn't happen as soon as next season, Ujiri now has another hand-picked cornerstone who owns familiarity and championship experience under May to help shape the Mavericks’ next chapter.