Overview:

The Dallas Mavericks have reshaped their roster in a three-team deal with the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets, acquiring three-time All-Star Khris Middleton, veteran point guard Tyus Jones, young wing AJ Johnson, and forward/center Marvin Bagley III, along with two future first-round picks and three future second-round picks. The move signals a renewed push to restore a “winning culture” in Dallas and build a championship contender around 19-year-old cornerstone Cooper Flagg. The new acquisitions are expected to arrive in Dallas immediately and could be available as soon as the team’s next game, pending physicals and travel.

DALLAS— The Dallas Mavericks made one of the most consequential moves of the 2026 trade deadline, reshaping their roster in a three-team deal with the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets that signals a renewed push to restore what team leadership calls a “winning culture” in Dallas.

The Mavericks acquired three-time All-Star Khris Middleton, veteran point guard Tyus Jones, young wing AJ Johnson and forward/center Marvin Bagley III, along with two future first-round picks and three future second-round picks. Dallas sent Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Danté Exum to Washington as part of the deal.

“Dallas fans deserve something to be excited about. We have the best fans in the NBA, and they just want something to cheer about consistently. With a guy like Cooper and hopefully the right pieces around him, we can get back to that excitement.”

Michael Finley, Dallas Mavericks Co-general manager

For co-general manager Michael Finley, the move was as much about identity as it was about roster construction.

“First, I want to thank Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, Danté Exum and D’Angelo Russell for their professionalism while they were with us — on and off the court and in the community,” Finley said. “Those guys were great. But we decided, as an organization, that we needed to do something to bring back the winning culture here in Dallas. We thought making the move we did puts us back in that conversation and gives the fans something to be excited about.”

The trade comes at a pivotal moment for a Mavericks franchise still navigating its post-Luka Dončić era and now fully centered around 19-year-old cornerstone Cooper Flagg. While the idea of pairing Flagg with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving intrigued fans, team leadership ultimately prioritized flexibility and long-term roster building.

“As a fan, you probably would have wanted to see AD, Kyrie and Cooper on the court,” Finley acknowledged. “But we had an opportunity to do something that gives us ultimate flexibility in the future to help build what we see as a championship contender. We felt this was an opportunity to take advantage of that.”

Co-GM Matt Riccardi said the decision was the result of a broad evaluation of the team’s trajectory and available options.

“We had to take an honest look at ourselves in the mirror and realize where we were and where we wanted to be,” Riccardi said. “Sometimes the path is not straightforward, and you’ve got to take a roundabout way to get where you want to go. But our goal remains the same: we want to win championships and build a championship roster.”

The arrival of Middleton brings championship experience, perimeter scoring and veteran leadership to Dallas. The 14-year veteran and 2021 NBA champion has built a reputation as a steady two-way wing and late-game shot-maker. His connection to head coach Jason Kidd, who coached him in Milwaukee, adds another layer of familiarity.

Jones, meanwhile, provides stability at the point guard position. Known for his elite assist-to-turnover ratio and ability to organize an offense, he addresses a key area of need for a Mavericks team that has struggled with consistency in the backcourt.

“If you look around the league, the teams that are most successful have great guard play,” Finley said. “Someone who can lead the offense and get guys in the right position to make easier shots. For us, guard play is important because the less pressure we can put on Cooper offensively, getting him a guy who can make his job easier does wonders for him.”

Riccardi described Jones as a natural fit for what the Mavericks want to build.

“Tyus is a natural point guard. He’s an organizer and a game manager,” Riccardi said. “We’re hoping he provides leadership on the floor — an extension of our coaching staff — and helps put players in the right positions to succeed.”

Bagley adds frontcourt depth and rebounding, while Johnson represents a developmental piece with long-term upside. Riccardi said each addition serves a different purpose in building out the roster.

“Chris is the consummate pro and brings veteran leadership. Marvin gives us another big in the mix. Tyus is one of the most efficient point guards in the league. And AJ is a 21-year-old with high upside who’s just scratching the surface,” Riccardi said. “We’re excited about what our coaching and development staff can do with them.”

Building around Flagg

While the roster has changed significantly over the past year, the organization’s focus has become increasingly clear: build around Cooper Flagg.

Finley emphasized that the draft capital acquired in the deal is key to that plan.

“When you look at our roster now, we have an unbelievable player in Cooper Flagg,” Finley said. “It’s our job to put the right pieces around him. When you have that type of draft capital, it gives you the ability to go out and do that and make our team a championship contender.”

Riccardi added that the team is prioritizing players who match Flagg’s mentality and approach.

“We want guys that embody what he embodies — toughness, high IQ, unselfishness, hard-nosed defense and players who care about the team more than themselves,” Riccardi said. “Those are the guys that win in this league.”

The front office has also been encouraged by Flagg’s maturity and leadership despite his age.

“He’s such a special individual, especially at just 19 years old,” Riccardi said. “He carries himself with a maturity beyond his age. Everything he does is natural to him. We’re lucky to have him and grateful to build a roster around him.”

Beyond the roster mechanics, Mavericks leadership made clear that reconnecting with the fan base was a central factor in the decision.

“The fans are what it’s all about,” Finley said. “Dallas fans deserve something to be excited about. We have the best fans in the NBA, and they just want something to cheer about consistently. With a guy like Cooper and hopefully the right pieces around him, we can get back to that excitement.”

The new acquisitions are expected to arrive in Dallas immediately and could be available as soon as the team’s next game, pending physicals and travel.

For a franchise in transition, the trade represents both a reset and a statement of intent: build a sustainable contender, restore excitement and surround its young star with the pieces needed to compete.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Finley said. “This puts us in the mindset of having a championship atmosphere around here. That’s what it’s all about.”

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