Dirk Nowitzki has never been one to publicly criticize the Dallas Mavericks, but the franchise icon made it clear he has mixed feelings about the team’s latest roster shake-up.
Dallas sent Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum to Washington in a deal largely centered on clearing long-term salary commitments and creating flexibility for the future.
“Well, I’ll tell you one thing, I think the Mavs fans are happy with this,” Nowitzki said speaking during Amazon Prime’s studio coverage. “I think they didn’t want to be reminded of what happened a year ago in the Luka trade. So, to me, looking at this deal at first glance, there’s not a lot that came back for picks or player-wise. So this is all really about financial flexibility for the future. And you know, they got rid of some contracts that were not favorable for the franchise.
“So, I’m a little disappointed, obviously. I think when AD actually played with Cooper, they played off each other really, really well. I think that was a solid combo, but we’ll never know. I think what this ultimately is now is built around Cooper. Go young. See what the next year brings, with what the draft brings this summer. So ultimately now they’re all in on Cooper Flagg and his future, and that’s what they’re going to build around.”
While the Mavericks avoided carrying roughly $70 million in combined salary tied to Davis, Russell, and Hardy next season, the basketball return was modest.
Only rookie AJ Johnson remains on Dallas’ books beyond this season, highlighting how strongly the organization prioritized long-term maneuverability.
The trade also reopens lingering frustration surrounding the organization’s earlier decision to move Luka Doncic.
Many believed the Slovenian superstar would follow Nowitzki’s legacy as the face of the franchise for an entire generation. Instead, Dallas pivoted toward a full youth reset after Davis struggled to stay healthy, appearing in just 29 of a possible 85 games during his Mavericks tenure.
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