The 2025-26 season has been a hectic one for the Dallas Mavericks. Having traded away yet another franchise player in Anthony Davis, it is blatantly obvious that the Mavericks are looking to rebuild. Still, it is apparent that appropriate leadership is also necessary.
Despite the recent noise surrounding Dallas, from Mark Cuban’s latest comments and Jason Kidd’s involvement in the Luka Doncic trade, the Mavericks seem committed to making improvements. Since this change must begin at the top, a recent report by Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix suggested that the organization has set its sights on Sam Presti, Brad Stevens, and many others to fill in as the new GM. He wrote:
“Armed with Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and another high lottery pick, the Mavs’ top front office job is an appealing one. And I’m told that Patrick Dumont, the team’s governor, is aiming high. Among the names on Dumont’s wish list, per league sources: Oklahoma City executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti, Minnesota president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, and Boston president Brad Stevens. Cleveland top exec Koby Altman’s name is also in the mix, a source said.”
Mannix noted that Jason Kidd, who currently serves as the Mavs’ head coach, may also be inclined to transition into a front office role. This would be a similar approach to the one taken by Brad Stevens, who initially acted as the Boston Celtics‘ head coach before moving on to become the president of basketball operations.
While this could also be fruitful, the Mavericks may hold off on this move, as Mannix added that Dallas is currently more invested in having Kidd cultivate Cooper Flagg as the future of the franchise.
It goes without saying that the Mavs’ ownership has set some ambitious targets. Both Sam Presti and Brad Stevens (and even Koby Altman, for that matter) have enjoyed considerable success with their respective franchises.
Stevens was responsible for building the Celtics’ core from the ground up, having played a crucial part in bringing in Kemba Walker and Al Horford after taking on GM’s role in 2021.
Although the Walker move didn’t pan out, Boston has consistently been a title threat, having notched five consecutive 50-win seasons since. With Boston emerging as champions in the 2023-24 season, boasting one of the best rosters in the league, Stevens was also named Executive of the Year.
Meanwhile, it can be argued that Sam Presti is currently among the best GMs in the NBA. Given what he has accomplished with the Oklahoma City Thunder during his tenure, from draft positioning and roster building to title success, Presti rightfully earned the Executive of the Year award last season.
Both Stevens and Presti have the track record to suggest that they could be impactful additions to the Mavericks’ front office. Still, Dallas may face some challenges in prying them away from their current teams.
Given the kind of success the Celtics have enjoyed this season, despite the roster overhaul and salary shedding exercises in the offseason, Boston may be unwilling to part with Stevens.
Similarly, Presti’s plans are currently too integral to OKC’s functioning. Since the Thunder are on the verge of becoming the NBA’s newest dynasty, the Mavericks are not positioned well enough to acquire him.
Thus, realistically, Dallas may end up missing out on both. Still, given that Nico Harrison was their previous GM, it could be safe to assume that the Mavericks can only do better.
