Mavericks make intriguing announcement about next season
Per The Stein Line's Marc Stein, the Mavericks have unveiled their full, four-game preseason schedule. As befits the preseason, multiple games will transpire in non-NBA arenas.
The action will tip off against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m. CT. The action will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, 36 miles away from Dallas' normal homecourt, American Airlines Arena.
Next up for the Mavericks, after a five-day layoff, will be a clash with the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on October 11. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Dallas will travel for its last two preseason games — an October 13 meeting with the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake, scheduled for 8 p.m. CT, and an October 15 encounter with ex-Maverick Luka Doncic's Los Angeles Lakers at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. That L.A. meeting will tip off at 9 p.m. CT.
Dallas also revealed that it will hold its training camp in Vancouver this season, Simon Fraser University, from September 30-October 4.
The Mavericks offloaded Doncic, plus veteran bigs Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, for a package led by 10-time All-Star center/power forward Anthony Davis (who's six years older than Doncic and lacks his upside), shooting guard Max Christie, and a single future first-round pick in 2029.
Sans the superstar who had brought them to the NBA Finals just the season prior, the Lakers fell in disarray. Davis and fellow aging All-Star Kyrie Irving both got hurt soon after the trade. Irving's injury was worse — he tore his ACL, and could miss a major chunk of 2025-26. The Mavericks, saddled with a mismatched roster that had been designed for Doncic and Irving, fell into the lottery.
But that's when their luck shifted.
Dallas rocketed up the draft lottery, snaring the rights to the No. 1 pick, which the team used on Duke superstar forward Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old's addition will totally reset the Mavericks' upside long-term, even if his short-term fit with the old All-Stars may not be particularly smooth.
MORE NEWS:Luka Doncic insiders have surprising take on post-Mavericks transformation
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Lakers, Luka Doncic agree to $165 million contract extension
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Knicks appear to be one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. With the Indiana Pacers dealing with a season-ending injury to Tyrese Haliburton and the Boston Celtics waiting on Jayson Tatum to recovery from his torn Achilles, the Knicks are in a great position. After making a run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season and losing to the Pacers, they could be the favorite. During the offseason, New York made a big move. It decided to part ways with former head coach Tom Thibodeau and replace him with Mike Brown. Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 18, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 18, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images As far as roster additions, the Knicks went out in NBA free agency and signed both Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele to improve their bench. Read more: Bucks Receive Worrying Giannis Antetokounmpo Update Both of those moves will add quality depth for New York's second unit. However, the team has its eyes set on a much bigger fish. Of course, that fish is current Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Over the last year, the Knicks have been constantly mentioned as a potential suitor for Antetokounmpo if he chooses to leave the Bucks. That possibility is still very much alive. On Monday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo has not decided whether or not he'll stay in Milwaukee. "Sources tell me there's still nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee or whether he will be leaving," Charania said. Following that report, a new update was given on New York's interest in the "Greek Freak." That update was shared by James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. "It is my understanding that Leon Rose and company have been monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo's situation in Milwaukee very closely, even before the offseason started," Edwards wrote. "Many around the league believe the Knicks are interested in star hunting, and while that opportunity hasn't popped up yet, I certainly believe it's in the cards if the right situation presents itself." Read more: Dan Patrick Goes Off on Lakers' Bronny James for Odd Reason If Antetokounmpo does decide that he wants a fresh start away from the Bucks, the Knicks would instantly be a top contender to trade for him. They would have to give up a lot to get him, but he could lead New York back to the NBA Finals. Expect to continue hearing rumors and reports about Antetokounmpo's future. In the meantime, the Knicks will continue watching the situation closely and waiting to pounce if he decides he wants out. For more on the New York Knicks and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
