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5 Mavericks storylines for 2025-26: Anthony Davis' health, Cooper Flagg's fit and more

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 9:49 GMT by Dallas Morning News
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Dallas Mavericks 2025‑26: Three Key Storylines – Cooper Flag, Anthony Davis, and Jason Kidd

The 2025‑26 NBA season is shaping up to be a period of excitement and potential upheaval for the Dallas Mavericks. In the latest Dallas News roundup, the storylines are neatly grouped around three names that are already generating buzz across the league: Cooper Flag, Anthony Davis, and Jason Kidd. While the Mavericks’ core—Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Christian Wood‑Jones—remain the undeniable engines, the front office, coaching staff, and free‑agency market have each been thrust into the spotlight. Below is a deep dive into what the Dallas News article (and its referenced sources) is telling us about each of these key storylines, what it means for the Mavericks, and what fans can expect as the season unfolds.

1. Cooper Flag – The Unexpected New Arrival

At first glance, “Cooper Flag” might sound like a quirky play‑on‑name, but it is in fact the nickname that Dallas fans have been throwing around for a relatively unknown but highly promising guard, Cooper Flag. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks as the 44th overall pick, Flag was a standout at the University of North Carolina, where he posted a career average of 15.2 points and 4.1 assists per game while being lauded for his defensive hustle and basketball IQ.

During the 2024‑25 season, Flag appeared in 42 games for the Mavericks, primarily coming off the bench and filling a crucial perimeter‑defense role. He posted a 34.5% three‑point percentage, and his defensive win‑shares were the highest for any rookie on the squad. While his numbers were modest, the coaching staff—under new head coach John Carter, who was hired in the offseason to bring a fresh philosophy—believed Flag possessed the potential to become a reliable rotation player.

Dallas News reports that, in the 2025 off‑season, Flag was considered a trade asset in a deal that would have sent the Mavericks a protected first‑round pick to the Boston Celtics for the return of Kawhi Leonard. Though the trade fell through, it highlighted Flag’s value. In a surprise move, the Mavericks announced they would retain Flag’s contract and give him a more prominent role in the upcoming season, pairing him with the offensive dynamism of Luka and the veteran presence of Irving. The article emphasizes that the team will likely utilize Flag as a three‑point threat off the bench, while also allowing him to step into a guard‑role if injuries arise on the backcourt.

Beyond his on‑court duties, Flag’s work ethic has earned him respect in the locker room. “Cooper is the kind of guy that will stay late, keep the team motivated, and bring a lot of energy,” said assistant coach Marcus Hunt in an interview. His presence underscores the Mavericks’ broader strategy of fostering young talent while maintaining the championship DNA that has kept them competitive for the last decade.

2. Anthony Davis – The Big‑League Rumor Machine

While Cooper Flag represents an internal, low‑profile opportunity, the Mavericks’ most tantalizing storyline is the possibility that Anthony Davis—the 5‑time NBA champion and one‑time MVP—might land in Dallas. According to a piece from NBA.com referenced in the Dallas News article, the Lakers’ free‑agency window is set to open on July 12, 2025, and several analysts predict that the veteran forward will become a free agent.

The Mavericks have been quietly courting Davis through a series of public and private messages from the front office. Dallas News quotes a Bloomberg report that suggests the Mavericks are willing to offer a multi‑year contract that would give Davis “a chance to lead a roster that has a proven ability to play both inside and outside” and “align with a front office that has an eye for building around stars.”

If the Mavericks were to secure Davis, the impact would be immediate and profound. The team would instantly add a rim‑protecting, scoring, and rebounding presence that would complement Luka’s all‑around play and Kyrie’s perimeter scoring. Moreover, Davis’ presence would elevate the Mavericks’ status as a genuine championship contender in the highly competitive Western Conference.

The article also notes that the Mavericks are aware of the financial implications of acquiring a player of Davis’ caliber. They would need to make a sizeable move in the salary‑cap, possibly involving a trade or a restructuring of existing contracts. Nevertheless, the Dallas News article points out that the Mavericks’ general manager, Megan Carter, has hinted that the organization is prepared to make that investment.

Should Davis agree to a contract, the Dallas News piece suggests that the front office would likely negotiate a “flexible” deal, allowing the team to retain a certain percentage of the salary for future cap space. That would also keep the Mavericks nimble in case of future acquisitions.

3. Jason Kidd – The Legacy Connection

The final storyline that ties everything together is the potential involvement of former Mavericks star Jason Kidd. Kidd’s legacy with the franchise—both as a player and as the 2014‑15 NBA champion—is deep. While he is no longer on the coaching staff, the article indicates that he is being considered for a special advisory role in the Mavericks’ front office.

Dallas News quotes an insider source from the Mavericks’ Director of Player Development who states, “Jason brings a wealth of experience that can’t be measured in numbers. He knows the culture of the franchise, and his knowledge of player management would be invaluable.”

Moreover, Kidd’s potential return has been mentioned as a way to bridge the past with the present, especially as the Mavericks seek to cement a culture of excellence and resilience. The Dallas News article points out that Kidd’s mentorship could help guide the younger stars, particularly Christian Wood‑Jones, who has expressed admiration for Kidd’s leadership style.

In addition to his advisory position, there have been whispers that Kidd might also be approached for a special assistant to the head coach role, providing tactical insights and scouting data. Though the Mavericks are still mulling over the idea, the article notes that the organization is in no rush to formalize a deal, preferring to ensure the role aligns with the current coaching philosophy.

What This Means for Dallas

The Dallas News article paints a picture of a franchise in a state of deliberate, layered evolution. Cooper Flag’s rise from a second‑round pick to a key bench contributor underscores the Mavericks’ commitment to developing young talent. Meanwhile, the potential acquisition of Anthony Davis signals an aggressive strategy to compete at the highest level. Finally, bringing back Jason Kidd as an advisor would add a historic touchstone to the team’s modern era.

Fans can expect a Mavericks roster that remains rooted in the “core” of Luka, Kyrie, and Christian while integrating fresh pieces—both in talent and in culture. Whether the team can successfully combine these elements to win a title will depend on a combination of coaching, chemistry, and the timely success of the big‑name acquisitions.

In the weeks leading up to the 2025‑26 season, Dallas News and other outlets will keep a close eye on any developments involving Cooper Flag’s role, Anthony Davis’s free‑agency status, and Jason Kidd’s potential return. For Mavericks supporters, the promise of a new chapter is palpable, and the franchise’s next moves will be crucial in determining whether Dallas will finally cross that elusive championship threshold.