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Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) and forward Anthony Davis (3) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

via Imago
Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) and forward Anthony Davis (3) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Mavericks just can’t catch a break this season. After trading Luka Doncic, GM Nico Harrison urged fans to wait and see how things would unfold for the team. But things have taken a turn for the worse. A string of injuries has already depleted the roster, and now new updates could make matters even more dire for Anthony Davis and another Mavs star.
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What’s your perspective on:
Did trading Luka Doncic doom the Mavs, or is there still hope for a comeback?
Have an interesting take?
On top of the injuries, ESPN’s Bobby Marks has added to the Mavericks’ miseries, revealing that the team could be at risk of forfeiting games due to both their injury crisis and NBA salary cap rules.
This means there is a possibility of being unable to field a full team or meet roster requirements because of the player injuries. Moreover, they may be at risk of violating NBA salary cap rules.
The Mavs are at risk of forfeiting games due to injuries and NBA salary cap rules, per @BobbyMarks42 pic.twitter.com/8nSCSnyZqP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 15, 2025
With the NBA requiring a minimum of 8 active players, Dallas is struggling to meet that number, and their roster could shrink even further. Being over the salary cap, they can’t sign new players, including on 10-day contracts, until April 12th. With only limited room under the first apron, they lack the financial flexibility to add players, even on veteran minimum deals. This is nothing short of a nightmare for the Mavericks.
The franchise was hopeful that Davis’s arrival would boost their championship aspirations, but sadly, he landed on the injury report on the very day of his debut and hasn’t returned since. Despite the setback, head coach Jason Kidd remains optimistic, stating that Davis is “heading in the right direction,” though there’s still no clear timetable for his return, according to Brad Townsend’s report. Even Mavs star Dereck Lively II is dealing with a stress fracture in his right ankle, and his return also remains uncertain.
Kyrie Irving is already out for the season with an ACL injury, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper is sidelined after undergoing surgery on his right wrist. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their injury list. With so many issues already at hand, the pressure is mounting for a decision on Harrison.
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Amid Anthony Davis’s uncertainty, Dallas Nation roars with outrageous chant
Since Doncic’s exit, Dallas has been in turmoil. Fans have voiced their strong protests against GM Nico Harrison, whether on social media, outside the American Airlines Center, or even during a hockey game at the Mavericks’ court. All they want is for Harrison to be fired. The chants of “Fire Nico” were even heard from fans on Greenville Avenue during Dallas’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Surprisingly, majority owner Patrick Dumont has remained composed amid the chaos. However, the franchise must take action, with all eyes now on GM Nico Harrison. While a championship could turn things around, it feels like a far-fetched dream at this point.
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For now, the team is relying on Klay Thompson to lead them, but playoff hopes seem increasingly unlikely. So, it’s only obvious that fans’ frustration would grow louder. What do you think about the Mavericks’ current situation? Could firing Nico Harrison actually make a difference? Share your thoughts with us!
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Debate
Did trading Luka Doncic doom the Mavs, or is there still hope for a comeback?