As of July 1, 2025, it appears the Dallas Mavericks could be mostly finished with their offseason plans after drafting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, re-signing Kyrie Irving to a new three-year contract, signing Daniel Gafford to a three-year extension, and signing D’Angelo Russell to a two-year, $12 million contract using the Taxpayer MLE. However… there’s some drama brewing in Hollywood, as LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be heading for a break-up…...
Jul 02, 2025•45 min•Ep. 445
The Dallas Mavericks officially drafted Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, effectively jumpstarting a new era of basketball in Dallas. If you missed our Mavs Step Back NBA Draft LIVE stream, no worries! You can now go back and watch it here. As the second-youngest No. 1 overall pick in NBA history (LeBron James was the youngest in 2003), Flagg is bringing a lot of hype with him to the Mavs, but it’s hype we believe he’ll be able to live up to. Flagg is a p...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 444
We are less than one week away from the Dallas Mavericks officially drafting Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft. On this episode, we break down what Flagg brings to Dallas, including a flattering comparison made by his soon-to-be head coach, Jason Kidd. From there, we discuss another Mavs trade scenario that would not only address the team's immediate need for guard help, but it would also help Dallas acquire an additional first-round pick in this year's draft.
Jun 20, 2025•32 min•Ep. 443
The Dallas Mavericks have several ways they could enhance their roster via trades this summer. Today, we propose some trade ideas in the first part of our multi-part series this month.
Jun 05, 2025•38 min•Ep. 442
After defying their 1.8% odds in the lottery, the Dallas Mavericks plan on selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft next month, according to multiple reports. What moves should the Mavs make after that, though? Could they trade back into what will be a stacked first round? What do they do with Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington, who are both on expiring contracts heading into next season? What point-guard options are available for Dallas until Kyrie Irving returns from h...
May 23, 2025•38 min•Ep. 441
Despite having just a 1.8% chance of winning the NBA Draft Lottery, the Dallas Mavericks ended up doing just that on Monday night. It was the first time the Mavs moved up in the lottery in franchise history, and it was tied for the second-largest jump in NBA Lottery history. Now, with the No. 1 pick in their possession, the question is: Will the Mavs draft 19-year-old Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, or will general manager Nico Harrison try to trade the pick for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo?...
May 13, 2025•19 min•Ep. 440
As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at FedExForum with the Western Conference playoffs’ 8-seed on the line, I (Dalton Trigg) recapped the inspiring performance we witnessed on Wednesday when Dallas kept its season alive by blowing out the Sacramento Kings on the road, 120-106. I’ve been on record saying that, although I’m generally an optimistic person by nature, I didn’t have a good feeling about these Play-In Tournament games for the Mavs. I truly b...
Apr 18, 2025•18 min•Ep. 439
After having a few days to digest what happened, Dalton and Drew recap their feelings while watching Luka Doncic's first return to American Airlines Center since the trade last Wednesday as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks. As the Mavs prepare for a tough Play-In Tournament game against the Sacramento Kings this Wednesday night, the guys are left pondering whether Doncic will ever consider returning to Dallas one day to once again play in front of the fan base that loves him ...
Apr 15, 2025•37 min•Ep. 438
As the Dallas Mavericks fight to lock up their spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, they'll face Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center for the first time since the massive trade on Wednesday night. In addition to previewing that game, we talk about the Mavs planning to sign two-way guard Brandon Williams to a standard contract later this week and what that could mean for their postseason chances.
Apr 08, 2025•37 min•Ep. 437
The Dallas Mavericks are in a weird situation, as they flirt with making the NBA Play-In Tournament as well as falling into the NBA Lottery. Here's our latest thoughts on where the Mavs currently sit with 15 games remaining.
Mar 14, 2025•15 min•Ep. 436
The Dallas Mavericks, who had won five of their last six games heading into Sunday, fell back down to earth in a 126-102 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Things might not get any better anytime soon for the shorthanded Mavs, as their next game is against Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Let's talk about the current state of the Mavs and the fan base. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 24, 2025•23 min•Ep. 435
One week after the Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded away the face of the franchise, Luka Doncic, MFFL (Mavs Fans For Life) were still hurting. They gathered outside of American Airlines Center before Saturday’s game against the Houston Rockets to protest General Manager Nico Harrison’s decision to pull the plug on a 25-year-old generational superstar. Although it will take time for fans to fully heal from such a loss, newcomers Anthony Davis and Max Christie performing as they did in Dallas’ 1...
Feb 09, 2025•21 min•Ep. 434
Call it the bargaining stage of grief if you must… but after taking this week to let the news of the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis sink in… We’ve come to the conclusion that the sky isn’t falling after all. That is, at least not for this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 09, 2025•28 min•Ep. 433
On Saturday night, around 11 p.m. central time, ESPN’s Shams Charania sent out a trade report on X that was so utterly shocking that everyone wondered if his phone had been hacked by someone trying to pull a prank. However, it was not a prank, as the Dallas Mavericks unexpectedly… and inexplicably… traded away 25-year-old franchise superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Absolute madness ensued in the sports world following such news. The full trade: Lakers receive: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kl...
Feb 01, 2025•49 min•Ep. 432
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 106-98 on Friday night to end a three-game losing streak and improve to 23-19 on the season. Kyrie Irving led the way with 25 points, but P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall brought the toughness and mental fortitude that ultimately did OKC in. Could this win be a turning point for the season even though Luka Doncic still hasn't returned from a calf injury? Let's talk about it. Thanks for listening, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our Mavs Step B...
Jan 19, 2025•24 min•Ep. 431
Before the Dallas Mavericks played the New Orleans Pelicans in the Big Easy on Wednesday night, Mavs Step Back caught up with the team's general manager, Nico Harrison, to talk about all the injuries that have occurred in the first half of this season, whether or not those injuries affect their trade deadline plans, Klay Thompson adapting to his new environment in Big D, and more! Thanks for listening, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our Mavs Step Back newsletter on Substack to get early access to e...
Jan 18, 2025•7 min•Ep. 430
On today’s episode of the Mavs Step Back Podcast, we break down the Dallas Mavericks' 118-97 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, which snapped a five-game losing streak. We believe this was the Mavs' best win of the season so far. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter if you haven’t already! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 08, 2025•20 min•Ep. 429
Despite not having Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II, plus Naji Marshall and PJ Washington being ejected due to a fight with Jusuf Nurkic, the Dallas Mavericks put on a defensive masterclass in a 98-89 win on the road against the Phoenix Suns. Dalton Trigg and Drew Johnson recap the altercation and what led up to it, as well as some of the key performances from Dallas' 20th win of the season. Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...
Dec 28, 2024•33 min•Ep. 428
The worst-case Christmas Day scenario for the Dallas Mavericks was realized on Wednesday afternoon, as they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves and superstar Luka Doncic suffered a calf injury that will likely keep him sidelined for a significant period of time. Dalton Trigg and Drew Johnson recap the Mavs' near comeback from being down 28 points, led by Kyrie Irving, who finished with a game-high 39 points. Although Doncic's injury was a big blow, the guys discuss how the Mavs' roster was built ...
Dec 26, 2024•55 min•Ep. 427
Luka Doncic returned from a heel contusion on Monday night and led the Dallas Mavericks with 27 points in a 132-108 win against the Portland Trail Blazers. With the win, the Mavs improved to 19-10 and remained No. 4 in the Western Conference Standings. From Daniel Gafford's domination to Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson's subtle impact, Dalton Trigg and Drew Johnson break down every aspect of Dallas' 14th win in 17 games. Tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...
Dec 24, 2024•36 min•Ep. 426
After losing to the LA Clippers on Thursday, the Dallas Mavericks bounced back with a 113-97 win over the Clippers on Saturday despite Luka Doncic being out for a second consecutive game. Kyrie Irving returned from a one-game absence due to a shoulder injury, struggling to shoot the ball (6-25 FG), but Dallas had eight players score in double-figures to help secure the victory. Quentin Grimes led the Mavs with 20 points off the bench, pouring in 14 of those points in the fourth quarter alone. Le...
Dec 22, 2024•57 min•Ep. 425
On this episode, Dalton Trigg and Drew Johnson present 10 trades the Dallas Mavericks could make between now and the NBA Trade Deadline in February. Some of the trades are more tame than others. Some involve bringing back former Mavericks like Derrick Jones Jr. and Dorian Finney-Smith. Others are more risky, like Dallas potentially taking a chance on Zion Williamson. Overall, the Mavs aren't desperate to make any trades at the moment, but front offices are always looking to improve their rosters...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 424
Luka Doncic put up a 45-point triple-double in the Dallas Mavericks' wild 143-133 win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, giving him the fourth-most 40-point triple-doubles in NBA history. Klay Thompson lit up his former team by hitting seven 3s, and the Mavs and Warriors broke the NBA record for most made 3s in a single game. Tune in to get a full recap of all the action! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 16, 2024•28 min•Ep. 423
The Dallas Mavericks lost to the OKC Thunder, 118-104, on Tuesday night, ending their 7-game win streak. SGA outscored Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving by himself, Dallas' bigs were mostly ineffective, and the only real bright spots for the Mavs were the performances of Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall and O-Max Prosper. We give a full recap of the game in addition to discussing the Mavs apparently being the betting favorites to land New Orleans Pelicans' Herb Jones in a trade. Learn more about your ad ...
Dec 11, 2024•21 min•Ep. 422
The Dallas Mavericks beat the Toronto Raptors 125-118 behind a combined 79 points from Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson on Saturday night. After leading by 24 points, the Mavs let the Raptors make things interesting in the fourth quarter, but they still held on for their seventh consecutive win and 11th win in 12 games. Other topics in this episode include: O-Max Prosper showing why he needs to take Maxi Kleber's spot in head coach Jason Kidd's rotation, PJ Washington having a bad sho...
Dec 08, 2024•25 min•Ep. 421
The Dallas Mavericks won their 10th game in 11 tries on Thursday night in a 137-101 blowout win over the league-worst Washington Wizards. Kyrie Irving led the way with 25 points, Luka Doncic notched his first triple-double of the season, and six other Mavericks scored in double figures. Also... is it possible Marvin Bagley III was auditioning for a potential trade to Dallas? Let's put on our tinfoil hats and talk about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 06, 2024•52 min•Ep. 420
Despite being down by 15 points at the start of the fourth quarter, the Dallas Mavericks rallied to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies, 121-116. Dallas improved to 14-8 and jumped to No. 3 in the Western Conference standings. Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavs with 37 points, but Spencer Dinwiddie and PJ Washington provided late-game heroics that help put the game away for good. Considering that the Mavs committed a season-high 25 turnovers and missed 14 free throws, this win over the Grizzlies is t...
Dec 04, 2024•33 min•Ep. 419
Despite not having Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall and Dereck Lively II, the Dallas Mavericks pulled out a big road win against a red-hot Portland Trail Blazers team on a second night of a back-to-back. Luka Doncic returned to action, finishing with 36 points and 13 assists, but it was PJ Washington, Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes that closed out the win for Dallas in the final minute of the game. Dallas has now won eight of its last nine games with a favorable schedule coming u...
Dec 02, 2024•31 min•Ep. 418
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Utah Jazz 106-94 Saturday night in Salt Lake City. Dallas improved to 12-8 on the young season, now having won seven of its last eight games. Kyrie Irving led the way in Utah with a game-high 30 points, and he got some great help from Quentin Grimes, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford and Spencer Dinwiddie. Oh... and could Luka Doncic return to action in Portland on Sunday night? Let's talk about it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...
Dec 01, 2024•41 min•Ep. 417
The Dallas Mavericks took down the New York Knicks on Wednesday night with a 129-114 blowout at American Airlines Center. Dallas was aggressive on the defensive end of the floor from start to finish, and it also got balanced scoring, with all starters scoring in double digits. Kyrie Irving, Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie all scored 20+ points to keep pace with the Knicks' high-powered offense. Dalton Trigg and Drew Johnson break down the Mavs feel-good win while missing Luka...
Nov 28, 2024•35 min•Ep. 416
