The first step is to hire Dennis Lindsey as GM as soon as possible.
The next step is a 2025-26 tank. There are 3 Tier 1 prospects this year and some other good ones in the 4 to 10 range. I don't think you can out tank the Wizards or Indiana, but the top 3 odds are flat anyways for the worst 3 teams. Ideally you are 5th or worse.
Each of the 3 worst teams has 40% odds at a top 3 pick.
If you are 4th worst you have 36% odds.
If you are 5th worst you have 31% odds.
If you are 6th worst you have 27% odds.
The next step is to put the entire roster (except Flagg) up for bid. This will help with the tank and bring back some depleted draft capital.
At this point the Mavs don't own their picks, but that is a sunk cost. We all knew that when Nico decided to nuke the franchise for no reason. All moves need to be made with the lense of competing again by 2030. If you have to give up a high pick to Charlotte next year, then so be it. Do it if it helps long term. PJ Washington and Gafford aren't helping in 2030 so they need to go if you can extract value. It doesn't really matter if you give Charlotte the 3rd pick or the 13th pick. Just makes the moves that are necessary to support Flagg + hopefully a top 5 pick long term. Would prefer to flip some of these guys into more 2026 draft picks.
The next step is a 2025-26 tank. There are 3 Tier 1 prospects this year and some other good ones in the 4 to 10 range. I don't think you can out tank the Wizards or Indiana, but the top 3 odds are flat anyways for the worst 3 teams. Ideally you are 5th or worse.
Each of the 3 worst teams has 40% odds at a top 3 pick.
If you are 4th worst you have 36% odds.
If you are 5th worst you have 31% odds.
If you are 6th worst you have 27% odds.
The next step is to put the entire roster (except Flagg) up for bid. This will help with the tank and bring back some depleted draft capital.
At this point the Mavs don't own their picks, but that is a sunk cost. We all knew that when Nico decided to nuke the franchise for no reason. All moves need to be made with the lense of competing again by 2030. If you have to give up a high pick to Charlotte next year, then so be it. Do it if it helps long term. PJ Washington and Gafford aren't helping in 2030 so they need to go if you can extract value. It doesn't really matter if you give Charlotte the 3rd pick or the 13th pick. Just makes the moves that are necessary to support Flagg + hopefully a top 5 pick long term. Would prefer to flip some of these guys into more 2026 draft picks.