The Dallas Mavericks have money to spend and decisions to make. Here is how they should handle their 2026 free agent class.
The Dallas Mavericks enter this offseason with more clarity than they have had in years. Cooper Flagg is the foundation. A lottery pick is coming on May 10. Kyrie Irving returns from a torn ACL. And the financial flexibility to build around all of that now exists after the Anthony Davis trade cleared the books.
The question is, who from this year's free agent class fits into that future? Here is a look at the six players Dallas needs to make decisions on.
Khris Middleton: Let Him Walk
Middleton was part of the Anthony Davis trade and showed flashes in Dallas, averaging 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 21.1 minutes across 29 games with the Mavericks.
At 34 years old and coming off another injury-riddled season, he is simply not a fit for a team trying to build something young. He is a respected veteran, but committing real money to him in this offseason would be a mistake. Let him walk and use those resources elsewhere.
Dwight Powell: Minimum or Retirement
Powell has been a loyal Maverick for nearly a decade and has earned every ounce of respect this franchise can give him.
At this point in his career, the next step is his to decide. If he wants to keep playing, offer him a minimum deal and welcome him back. If he is ready to retire, send him off properly. Either way, this decision makes itself.
Marvin Bagley III: Bring Back on a Minimum
Bagley was one of the more pleasant surprises of this season. He finished the year averaging 10.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 20 minutes per game across 60 appearances between the Wizards and Mavericks, shooting an efficient 61.8 percent from the field.
For a team that was constantly shorthanded in the frontcourt, he provided real production at a low cost. He is not a long-term piece, but a minimum deal to keep him around makes sense.
He knows the system and fills a need while the young core develops.
Ryan Nembhard: Decline the Option
Dallas has until June 29 to exercise a $2.2 million team option on Nembhard. Despite his record-breaking 23-assist performance in Sunday's season finale, the overall body of work does not justify picking it up. He led all rookies in assists this season, averaging 5.0 per game, and his feel for the game and basketball IQ were never in question.
But at 5-11 with inconsistent shooting, averaging just 6.5 points on 41.2 percent from the field across 59 games, he does not project as a reliable long-term option at the point guard position in the NBA.
His size will always limit him defensively, and without a dependable offensive game to offset that, the fit in Dallas gets complicated once Irving returns and the roster gets more competitive.
Decline the option, target the right guard in the draft or free agency, and keep the door open for a camp invite next fall.
Brandon Williams: Keep Him
Williams was one of the few genuine bright spots of this season. The 26-year-old averaged 13.0 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds on 47 percent shooting in 22.1 minutes per game, career highs across the board.
He is an unrestricted free agent, meaning Dallas has no contractual leverage to bring him back, and other teams will come calling. The Mavericks need to prioritize getting a new deal done. He is young, affordable, and fits the direction this franchise is heading.
Moussa Cisse: Resign on a Two-Way
Cisse showed exactly why Dallas should want to keep him around. The 6-foot-11 center averaged 3.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 12 minutes per game while shooting 59 percent from the field on his two-way deal.
He finished the season by tying a franchise rookie rebounding record with 20 boards Sunday against the Bulls. As a restricted free agent, Dallas controls his rights. Keep him on another two-way, let him develop alongside Dereck Lively II, and see what he becomes. The upside is real.