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Jett Howard Mavericks sign Jett Howard to two-way contract
Mon, Jul 20, 2026, 3:30 PM
Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks signed Jett Howard to a two-way contract.
Analysis: Not long after the Mavericks waived forward Tyler Smith, opening up a two-way contract slot, the franchise filled the vacancy by signing Howard. The 11th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Howard failed to earn consistent rotation minutes in his three seasons with the Magic. He appeared in 55 games last season, averaging 5.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 12.6 minutes. Howard shot the ball reasonably well from beyond the arc, making 37.2 percent of his attempts. He joins John Poulakidis and Tobi Lawal as two-way contract players on the Mavericks roster. |
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Xavier Cooks Shams: Moussa Cisse agrees to Knicks offer sheet
Sat, Jul 18, 2026, 7:56 AM
Shams Charania
Moussa Cisse agreed to a two-year offer sheet with the Knicks, reports ESPN's Shams Charania.
Analysis: Cisse is a restricted free agent, so he's not on the Knicks officially just yet. The 23-year-old center agreed to a two-year offer sheet with New York. His salary would only be guaranteed for the first year, according to Charania. Cisse had a minimal role last year with the Mavericks. Dallas has 48 hours to match the offer sheet or they'll lose Cisse to the Knicks. |
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Xavier Cooks John Poulakidis sinks five three-pointers vs. OKC
Thu, Jul 16, 2026, 11:57 AM
John Poulakidis recorded 19 points (6-of-14 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block and five three-pointers in Thursday's win over the Mavericks.
Analysis: Due to injuries, Poulakidis appeared in 13 NBA games for the Mavericks as a rookie. He surpassed 20 points in two of his final three games, including a 28-point effort against the Bulls in the regular-season finale, so the Mavericks are well aware of what the former Yale standout is capable of. Against the Thunder, Poulakidis shot 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, leading six Mavericks in double figures with 19 points. Given his status as a two-way contract player and the Mavericks boasting a better rotation than last season, Poulakidis' opportunities in 2026-27 are likely to be limited. |
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Xavier Cooks Sergio de Larrea records 14 assists vs. Thunder
Thu, Jul 16, 2026, 11:51 AM
Sergio de Larrea tallied two points (1-of-8 FGs), nine rebounds, 14 assists, one steal and one block in Thursday's win over the Thunder.
Analysis: De Larrea did not shoot the ball well on Thursday, missing all five of his three-point attempts, but the rookie's overall floor game was excellent. Finishing one rebound shy of a double-double, de Larrea also accounted for 14 assists and three turnovers. While a healthy Kyrie Irving will run the show for the Mavericks when next season begins, fantasy managers in redraft leagues should not sleep on the 6-foot-5 de Larrea. A must-draft player in dynasty leagues, he may have some value in redraft formats as well. |
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Klay Thompson Heat have 'strong interest' in Klay Thompson
Mon, Jul 13, 2026, 5:48 PM
Miami Herald
Klay Thompson has âemerged as a player of strong interestâ for the Heat, according to the Miami Herald.
Analysis: Even with the signing of Tim Hardaway Jr., the Heat need more wing scoring to supplement a roster now headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. As a result, Thompson is said to be a player of interest to the franchise, despite his struggles over two seasons in Dallas. He is still one of the best perimeter shooters in NBA history and can provide the spacing needed to create cleaner driving lanes for players like Antetokounmpo and Adebayo. It was also noted that the Heat's interest is not contingent on them signing LeBron James in free agency. However, to make something happen, Thompson would need to be bought out of the final year of his current contract, which is worth $17.5 million. |
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Jaden Springer Jaden Springer contributes 17 points, full line
Mon, Jul 13, 2026, 3:19 PM
Jaden Springer amassed 17 points (5-of-10 FGs, 3-of-5 FTs), one rebound, two assists, one steal, one block and three three-pointers in Monday's win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: The 28th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Springer is still looking to lock down a consistent role in the NBA. The former first-round pick came off the bench on Monday and provided solid production, shooting 50 percent from the field and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. Dallas' reserves made the difference on Monday, with Springer and undrafted rookies Darin Green Jr. (18/3/5/2 with five three-pointers) and Kodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu (16 points, four rebounds and two blocks) combining to score 51 points. |
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Xavier Cooks Sergio de Larrea racks up 12 assists vs. Memphis
Mon, Jul 13, 2026, 3:14 PM
Sergio de Larrea accounted for 16 points (3-of-7 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), one rebound, 12 assists, one block and two three-pointers in Monday's win over the Grizzlies.
Analysis: De Larrea had an excellent floor game on Monday after struggling in Saturday's loss to the Lakers. The rookie guard was responsible for 12 of Dallas' 25 assists on the night, with the other four Mavericks starters combining for six. With Kyrie Irving expected to be fully healthy when next season begins and Cooper Flagg also in line to have the ball in his hands plenty, de Larrea's fantasy ceiling may be limited as a rookie. But the basketball IQ makes him someone worth stashing in dynasty leagues. |
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Xavier Cooks Sergio de Larrea dishes out four assists vs. LAL
Sat, Jul 11, 2026, 6:29 PM
Sergio de Larrea amassed five points (2-of-4 FGs), three rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block and one three-pointer in Saturday's loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: After shooting 3-of-14 in his first summer league appearance on Thursday, de Larrea attempted just four shots on Saturday. He did have some nice assists and was once again active defensively in a decent overall showing. Through two games, it's clear that some patience will be needed, but de Larrea has the basketball smarts needed to make an impact down the line. He is certainly worth stashing in dynasty leagues. |
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Xavier Cooks Morez Johnson Jr. records two steals, four blocks
Sat, Jul 11, 2026, 6:26 PM
Morez Johnson Jr. finished Saturday's loss to the Lakers with 10 points (4-of-8 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, two steals and four blocked shots.
Analysis: While he wasn't as prolific offensively as in his first summer league appearance, Johnson remained impactful on defense. The ninth-overall pick in last month's draft blocked four shots and recorded two steals in what would be a dream night for fantasy managers. Johnson was whistled for seven fouls, so some strides are needed in that area. That said, he can be an impact defender for the Mavericks immediately at power forward or center. |
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Xavier Cooks Sergio de Larrea turns in 9/6/5/1/1 line vs. GSW
Thu, Jul 9, 2026, 3:41 PM
Sergio de Larrea posted a full line on Thursday with nine points (3-of-14 FGs), six rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer against the Warriors.
Analysis: It wasn't the most efficient shooting performance for de Larrea, but there was a lot to like about what he did in his first summer league action. He flashed upside on both ends of the floor, but he's clearly a prospect that has a lot of developing to do. He should get that opportunity for Dallas this season and is worth stashing in dynasty formats. |
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Xavier Cooks Morez Johnson Jr. pours in 27/8/3/3/2 line
Thu, Jul 9, 2026, 3:34 PM
Morez Johnson Jr. led the Mavericks with 27 points (12-of-17 FGs), eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, two blocks and one three-pointer in a 101-90 loss to the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: In his summer league debut, Johnson showcased why he was the first of the three Michigan lottery picks to be selected. He did a little bit of everything and had a dominant offensive showing. He was a well-rounded producer in college, so it isn't surprising that he was able to contribute to this extent in his first summer league appearance. If he starts, he has a chance to be one of the more impactful rookies in fantasy basketball this season. |
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Xavier Cooks Vsevolod Ishchenko scores seven points in SL debut
Thu, Jul 9, 2026, 3:29 PM
Vsevolod Ishchenko contributed seven points (2-of-4 FGs), three rebounds, one assist and one steal against the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: Dallas traded cash to draft Ishchenko with pick No. 56, and while he showed some flashes in his summer league debut, he didn't make much of an impact in the box score. He did play 27 minutes, while Tobi Lawal, who started in front of him, only played 14. That's a situation worth monitoring as the summer progresses, though both are likely to only play minimal roles as rookies. |
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Xavier Cooks Tobi Lawal scores five points in SL debut
Thu, Jul 9, 2026, 3:18 PM
Tobi Lawal finished with five points (2-of-6 FGs), four rebounds, one assist, one block and one three-pointer against the Warriors on Thursday.
Analysis: Dallas added Lawal with the 48th pick last month, and while he was in the starting lineup for this game, he only played 14 minutes. The athletic forward should see his minutes increase as the summer continues. |
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Khris Middleton Shams: Wizards, Middleton agree to three-year deal
Tue, Jul 7, 2026, 2:46 PM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Khris Middleton has agreed to a three-year deal with the Washington Wizards as part of a multiple-team sign-and-trade.
Analysis: Middleton will head back to the Wizards, a team he spent parts of the past two seasons with. The veteran was dealt from the Wizards to the Mavericks during the 2025-26 season, but in the 34 games he appeared in before being traded, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He's unlikely to be much of a factor in fantasy basketball next season. |
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Santi Aldama Report: Mavericks acquire Santi Aldama
Wed, Jul 1, 2026, 1:00 PM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Mavericks have acquired Santi Aldama from the Mavericks for AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 first-round pick via Golden State and two future second-round picks.
Analysis: The Grizzlies' rebuild continues, with the franchise now moving on from Aldama, the 30th overall pick in the 2021 draft. Before a knee injury ended his 2025-26 season in mid-March, the foward/center averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.6 three-pointers in 27.9 minutes. Aldama, who shot 47.9 percent from the field, averaged a career-high in points and matched his previous high in rebounds. With PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II and lottery pick Morez Johnson Jr. all under contract for next season, Aldama's fantasy ceiling may be limited in Dallas, but that was likely to be the case in Memphis as well, given their additions via the draft and free agency. |
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Xavier Cooks Lakers select Vsevolod Ishchenko, send him to Mavs
Wed, Jun 24, 2026, 4:17 PM
Lakers selected Vsevolod Ishchenko with pick No. 56 in the NBA Draft.
Analysis: The 21-year old Ishchenko has been plying his trade for Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia at both the youth and professional levels. This past season, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals in nearly 24 minutes per game, shooting 51.6 percent from the field, 46.3 percent from three and 80.1 percent from the foul line. Ishchenko is a gifted offensive player with good size, and his physical tools also make him a factor defensively. The overall skill set still needs some polish, but there's a lot for an NBA team to work with. The Lakers acquired this pick by dealing cash considerations before the second round began, and they ended up getting cash back instead of making the pick. Ishchenko is an intriguing prospect for Dallas to build with as they start forming a core around Cooper Flagg. |
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Xavier Cooks Mavericks draft Tobi Lawal with 48th pick
Wed, Jun 24, 2026, 3:37 PM
Mavericks selected Tobi Lawal with pick No. 48 in the NBA Draft.
Analysis: A 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward from England, Lawal was a consistent starter at Virginia Tech after serving as a reserve in each of his two seasons at VCU. With an ankle injury sidelining him for all of December, Lawal was limited to 23 appearances this season, averaging 12.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 54.2 percent from the field and 76.3 percent from the foul line. An explosive athlete, Lawal did not begin playing basketball competitively until he was 16, suggesting untapped potential. Dallas already has a lot of depth at forward, so it may be difficult for Lawal to carve out a role, though there is plenty of fantasy upside if he is able to. |
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Xavier Cooks Morez Johnson reconnects with Dusty May in Dallas
Tue, Jun 23, 2026, 3:01 PM
Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 pick in the NBA Draft.
Analysis: After initially entering his name into the draft with an open mind toward returning to Michigan for another season, Johnson shot up draft boards throughout the spring. And his defensive ability is a big reason why. During his lone season in Ann Arbor, the 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward/center averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 blocks while shooting 62.3 percent from the field and 78.2 percent from the foul line. Johnson can be used at either the four or the five, with the latter role coming as part of a smaller lineup. Dallas hired Dusty May as their next head coach, and May just won a national championship with Johnson at Michigan. The two will reconnect and look to build a strong frontcourt alongside Cooper Flagg. |
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Xavier Cooks Shams: Mavs hire Dusty May as next head coach
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 5:15 AM
Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Mavericks have hired Dusty May to be the team's next head coach.
Analysis: May took Florida Atlantic on an improbable Final Four run in 2023, and just three years later, he guided Michigan to a national championship. May's meteoric rise through the coaching ranks will now take him to Dallas, where he'll look to get Cooper Flagg and Co. back into playoff contention after a 26-56 campaign. It's a very bold hire, but May has proven to be an expert at building a program and that's exactly what the Mavericks need now. |
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Kyrie Irving Kyrie Irving (knee) 'close to being over at 100%'
Sat, May 30, 2026, 10:05 AM
Mike Curtis
Kyrie Irving (knee) said via his Twitch stream that he is âclose to being over at 100%" recovered from the injury that ended his 2024-25 season in March 2025.
Analysis: Irving has not appeared in a game since suffering a torn left ACL in March 2025. While there was some optimism last summer that the point guard was ahead of schedule, he did not play at all during the 2025-26 campaign. Based on Irving's words during a recent livestream, he's on track to be good to go for the start of the 2026-27 season. âI am definitely close to being over at 100% in terms of my ACL recovery,â Irving said on Friday. âIt's been a while nowâ¦I'm so grateful that I've had the time to heal and just experiment with my body more on the court and off the court in the weight room & just pushing myself to the limit.â With Cooper Flagg coming off a Rookie of the Year season and the Mavericks adding another lottery pick to the mix this summer, it will be interesting to see where Irving fits in the rebuild under new lead executive Masai Ujiri. A healthy Irving can provide top-25 fantasy value, but his playing time could be limited early on for injury management reasons. |
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