The bruising Michigan standout reunites with coach Dusty May, forming a high-energy frontcourt duo with Cooper Flagg to solidify the Mavericks' physical identity for years to come.
DALLAS - It's "insane.'' In a good way.
Morez Johnson Jr. is coming to the Dallas Mavs via pick No. 9 in Tuesday's 2026 NBA Draft as he reunites with his just-hired college coach, Dusty May.
Johnson, a 6-9, 250-pound power forward, transferred to Michigan in April 2025 to play for May and helped muscle the Wolverines to the program’s first national title in 37 years.
Now he joins a young Dallas team built around 2026 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg ... and will get the chance to serve as Flagg's long-time running mate.
Said a happy Johnson, 20: “Man, it’s insane. The Michigan Mavericks now! But I’m very grateful for this opportunity, and I’m excited to do it with my coach. We won together this past season.
"I’m looking forward to winning with him and the Mavericks when I get there.”
Part of Johnson's "get here'' path will include his participation with the Mavs in Summer League next month.
Our Kyler Fox suggests that all things considered, Johnson might be a "monster'' get for Dallas.
Johnson emerged as a key at Michigan after transferring from Illinois. The McDonald's All-American averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 62.3 percent from the field for the Wolverines, especially showcasing the physicality that has long caused scouts to talk of his "NBA body.''
Johnson plays with toughness and energy, and even though he will be a rookie, it's possible that his connection with May will speed his progress.
And in a Flagg-centric offense? It should help Johnson and the Mavs that he's the sort of player - successful around the rim - who doesn't need to be fed the ball to contribute.
The Mavs are also engineering a trade that will bring Spanish standout Sergio De Larrea to Dallas, though that late-night deal remains unofficial.
But for Johnson? And for now?
“This moment means a lot to me,” Johnson said. “I’ve been thinking about this since I was a little kid. Dallas has always been a place I wanted to go, and it’s insane that I’m actually going to Dallas.
“It’s crazy, man,” Johnson said. “We’ve got work to do. Back to work.”
