The Dallas Mavericks made a splash this week by hiring Dusty May away from the national champion Michigan Wolverines. But before that move was finalized, team president Masai Ujiri had another play in the works — a potential trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Mavericks have been eyeing a draft-night swap with the Thunder for a while. Marc Stein confirmed the details Monday in his Substack newsletter, reporting that Dallas and Oklahoma City discussed sending the No. 9 pick to the Thunder in exchange for picks No. 12 and No. 17.
That kind of deal would give the Mavericks more ammo on draft night. Two picks instead of one. More flexibility to target specific players. But it could also come with a cost for May.
What Michigan Stands to Lose
Yaxel Lendeborg, who just helped Michigan win a national title, has been frequently mocked to the Thunder at No. 12. If Dallas trades down, May might lose the chance to keep coaching the Big Ten Player of the Year. And Lendeborg isn’t the only Wolverine who could slip away. Teammates Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. are also projected as potential draft targets in that range.
That’s a lot of talent to potentially walk out the door in one night. Even if Dallas hangs onto pick No. 9, there’s no guarantee they’d use it on a Michigan guy. But the risk is real for a new coach trying to build something.
Both Front Offices Are Active
Ujiri and Thunder GM Sam Presti aren’t the type to sit still. They’re both known for working the phones, especially around draft time. With Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors swirling and both teams holding valuable picks, it makes sense they’d explore deals.
The reported terms — No. 9 for No. 12 and No. 17 — feel like a classic Presti move. Stockpile picks. Stay flexible. Let the board come to you. For Dallas, it’s about getting more bites at the apple while still staying in the lottery range.
Neither team has confirmed anything. But the fact that talks happened over the weekend, right as the coaching carousel spun, suggests there’s real momentum behind this. The 2026 NBA Draft is still months away, but the groundwork is already being laid.
May might have won a title at Michigan. But keeping that roster together just got a lot harder.
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