The Dallas Mavericks are shaking things up once again, and a significant overhaul may be on the horizon. The Mavericks’ minority owner, Mark Cuban, who was mainly excluded under Nico Harrison, is apparently “back at the table.” More significantly, the team’s new decision-makers have already talked about what Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix refers to as “radical roster changes.”
The Mavericks have discussed blowing up the roster, per @SIChrisMannix
“As for what’s next, I’m told that Mark Cuban, the Mavs’ minority owner who was exiled from basketball operations by Harrison, is back at the table. I’m also told that radical roster changes have already… pic.twitter.com/CbJQgEoL3V
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 13, 2025
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The date coincides with Harrison’s dismissal, which made room for a new leadership team. Naming Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley as co-interim general managers fueled rumors that Dallas plans to restructure its roster. Reports indicate that Cuban, known for taking risks and thinking long-term, is leaning into this moment to steer the team in a completely new direction rather than resuming where he left off.
Mavericks Set for Overhaul: Cuban Back, Roster Reset Looms
Cuban’s Frustrations Are No Longer Quiet — and They Might Fuel Change
Cuban recently admitted that he underestimated certain aspects of the deal. He expected to continue running basketball, but a provision guaranteeing his role was removed during the transaction. He also claims the NBA eliminated that clause. Cuban seems motivated by both regret and the desire to maintain influence.
At the same time, Cuban continues to engage with the new majority owners, maintaining communication with Patrick Dumont. However, his role is now more strategic than operational. Even without direct control over day-to-day decisions, his involvement suggests that his voice still carries weight in shaping roster discussions.
Trade Targets: Who Dallas Could Move or Chase in a Blow-Up
Given the ‘radical’ nature of the discussions, the Mavericks are considering several players as potential trade candidates. One of the loudest is Anthony Davis. According to reports, Dallas is seriously considering cutting ties with Davis to free cap space and clear the way for a new identity.
If Dallas trades Davis, one intriguing scenario is a deal for Ja Morant. In this possible framework, the Mavs could send Davis plus a role player to Memphis in exchange for Morant, two first-round picks, and a veteran or two. That would give Dallas a dynamic point-of-attack piece, someone they can build around for years.
RJ Barrett and Ochai Agbaji are two more potential targets, particularly if the Mavs choose younger, less expensive wings. Both are attractive if Dallas truly wants to start over because they provide upside, vitality, and long-term club control.
Upside, Risks & Likelihood: Weighing the Scenarios
The potential upside is enormous if Dallas trades Davis and focuses on youth and draft capital. The team could pursue a genuine long-term rebuild and free up a significant portion of the payroll. With Cuban back in the fold, this kind of reset might also reshape the Mavericks’ identity, prioritizing smart asset acquisition over short-term desperation.
However, the process won’t be simple. Other teams could acquire Davis for less than full value, especially if they sense vulnerability. Draft picks are never guaranteed to succeed, and new players might struggle to develop or perform immediately. Fans may face more losses before seeing the benefits of a youth-heavy rebuild, and patience will be essential.
Targeting players like Barrett and Agbaji carries less risk. These moves wouldn’t overhaul the core, but they could improve key areas while maintaining flexibility. In the near term, this approach may prove more practical.
As for likelihood, a Davis trade seems fairly probable given his size on the books. A Morant-for-Davis deal appears less likely due to its complexity and the need for both teams to align. Focusing trade talks that have younger wings seems the most realistic path, offering a meaningful and safer way to reset without a complete roster blow-up.
Big Picture: What This Could Mean for the Mavericks’ Next Era
If Cuban is back pushing for a roster reset, the Mavericks could face their biggest turning point since he bought the team. The new brain trust seems ready to challenge the status quo, potentially replacing costly or aging players with a younger, more adaptable core. The risks are high, but the reward could be enormous: a team built to compete now and in the future. The Mavericks may be headed for a drastically different future with an overhaul, but only time will tell.
Featured Image: Jerome Miron Imagn-Images
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