When Trae Young hit the open market, 29 other teams inevitably internally explored how the four-time All-Star would fit within their rotation. The Dallas Mavericks inevitably entered the speculative realm, due in no small part to the inconsistency that's plagued them at the point guard position.
By steering clear of Young and allowing another team to trade for him, the Mavericks have ensured that they'll be able to enter the 2026 NBA Draft with complete flexibility.
Christopher Kline of FanSided.com offered an early look at how valuable Dallas' optionality could be. In Kline's latest 2026 NBA mock draft, the Mavericks selected Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr.