The Dallas Mavericks have been named free agency losers after failing to put guard talent around Cooper Flagg. The criticism comes as the 2026 offseason winds down and the roster still has clear holes.
What happened in free agency?
The Mavericks entered the summer needing backcourt help. They had cap space and a young star in Cooper Flagg to build around. But the team struck out on several top targets.
Dallas missed on guards like Tyrese Maxey and Jalen Brunson, who re-signed elsewhere. They also failed to land a trade for a veteran playmaker. The result is a thin guard rotation heading into training camp.
Why it matters for Cooper Flagg
Flagg, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, needs spacing and ball-handling around him. He averaged 22.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season. Without a reliable secondary creator, defenses can load up on him.
“They have to get him help,” one league executive told reporters. “He can’t do it alone.” The Mavericks currently project to start Jaden Hardy and a raw rookie at the guard spots. That’s a problem.
What are the roster gaps?
Dallas lacks a true point guard who can run the offense. Kyrie Irving left in free agency. Spencer Dinwiddie is gone too. The team signed only minimum-contract players to fill the backcourt.
Flagg is best as a forward who attacks from the wing. He needs someone to get him the ball in rhythm. Right now, the Mavericks don’t have that guy.
What comes next?
The Mavericks could still make a trade before the season starts. They have future picks and young assets. But the market is thin. Most teams have already set their rosters.
For Cooper Flagg, this means another season of heavy lifting. He’s only 19 years old. The front office has to get it right — or risk wasting his prime before it even starts.
Dallas finished 38-44 last season and missed the playoffs. That record won’t improve without better guard play. The pressure is on general manager Nico Harrison to fix this.
Flagg himself has stayed quiet publicly. He’s been training in Oregon this summer. But sources say he’s frustrated with the lack of moves.
“He wants to win,” a team insider said. “He’s competitive. He expects the organization to match his effort.”
So far, that hasn’t happened. The Mavericks are running out of time.