Everything changed when Nico Harrison pulled the trigger on that Lakers trade. Trading away a generational talent like Luka Dončić for a package centered on Anthony Davis wasn't just a roster move; it was a total identity shift. Now, in January 2026, the noise around Mavericks free agent rumors is reaching a fever pitch because the "win-now" gamble is looking a bit shaky.
Dallas is currently sitting at 15-25.
That’s not where anyone thought they'd be with a roster featuring Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. But with Davis sidelined by a hand injury and Kyrie still working back from that brutal ACL tear last March, the front office is staring at a massive crossroads. The rumors aren't just about who they can add—they’re about how they survive the financial squeeze of the second apron.
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The Anthony Davis Dilemma and the 2026 Trade Deadline
Honestly, the biggest rumor isn't about a free agent coming in, but a superstar potentially going out. Shams Charania and Marc Stein have both reported that the Mavericks have renewed trade talks for Anthony Davis. It’s wild to think about trading a guy you just got for Luka, but AD’s camp, led by Rich Paul, reportedly doesn't see a long-term extension happening in Dallas.
AD has a massive $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season. If he doesn't want to stay, the Mavs basically have to move him now to get some value back.
The Toronto Raptors are the name that keeps popping up. They need a high-level big because Jakob Poeltl has been dealing with back issues. But here’s the kicker: any deal with Toronto likely involves the long-term money of RJ Barrett. That doesn't exactly help the Mavericks’ goal of clearing the books and avoiding the second apron next season.
Dallas is currently projected to be way over the tax, with a $31.9 million bill this year alone. They need relief. They also want to keep their 2026 first-round pick, which is the last one they actually own until 2031. If they keep losing, that pick becomes a gold mine in a draft featuring generational talent.
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Cooper Flagg and the Youth Movement
You've got to look at Cooper Flagg to understand why the Mavericks free agent rumors feel so different this year. Landing Flagg in the lottery changed the timeline. Suddenly, surrounding a 19-year-old phenom with 34-year-old veterans like Klay Thompson and Dwight Powell feels... well, it feels like a mismatch.
Max Christie has emerged as a legitimate bright spot in this mess. He's started 29 games, shooting over 44% from deep. The team reportedly views him as a long-term fixture. He’s on a cheap $7.7 million deal this year, and the Mavs are desperate for that kind of value-to-production ratio.
Real Targets: Who Could Actually Sign in 2026?
If the Mavs do clear cap space by moving AD or letting veteran contracts expire, the 2026 free agent class has some interesting names. We’re looking at:
- Anfernee Simons: Currently with the Celtics, but he’s heading toward unrestricted free agency and provides the high-volume scoring Dallas lacks when Kyrie is out.
- Coby White: He has completely outplayed his current contract. If he hits the open market, he’s exactly the kind of secondary playmaker who could thrive next to Flagg.
- Mitchell Robinson: If the Mavs move off their current bigs, Robinson remains the best offensive rebounder in the league. His free throw shooting is still a nightmare, but his rim protection is elite.
- Quentin Grimes: A former Mav who is rumored to be a target for teams looking for 3-and-D wing depth.
The Luxury Tax Trap
Nico Harrison is playing a dangerous game with the salary cap. Right now, the team is hard-capped at the second apron. This limits their ability to even sign two-way players like Moussa Cisse or Ryan Nembhard to the full 15-man roster.
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The "win-now" window with Irving and Thompson is closing fast. Kyrie has all the leverage. He can opt out of his $44 million player option this offseason to seek one last five-year mega-deal. If the Mavericks pay him, they are locked into an aging core. If they don't, they might lose him for nothing, just like they did with others in the past.
It's a mess.
Naji Marshall is another name to watch. He’s been a steal at $9 million, averaging nearly 14 points a game. Teams are calling about him, and while Dallas wants to keep him, they might be forced to include him in a trade just to get off larger, less productive salaries.
What Fans Should Watch Next
The trade deadline on February 5th is the real starting line for free agency. If AD is still on the roster after that date, expect the Mavericks to be quiet in the summer of 2026. If he’s gone, they might actually have the flexibility to build something sustainable around Cooper Flagg.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for Kyrie Irving. His return—or lack thereof—will dictate whether this team tries to make one last push or leans fully into the "retool" phase.
Actionable Insights for Mavs Fans:
- Monitor the Raptors: If Toronto moves RJ Barrett or multiple picks, it’s a signal the AD era in Dallas is over.
- Check the 2nd Apron Math: Any free agent signing this summer will likely be a minimum deal unless a major salary (like AD or Kyrie) is moved first.
- Watch Cooper Flagg's Usage: As the season progresses, see if Jason Kidd shifts the offense to run entirely through the rookie, which will tell you which free agent archetypes they'll target in July.