The latest episode of the Mavs Pulse podcast took a closer look at the Dallas Mavericks’ turbulent season, focusing on Anthony Davis’ uncertain future, Kyrie Irving’s long-term outlook, and Mark Cuban’s renewed voice within the organization.
Elliott opened the show by noting that Dallas’ competitive effort in a loss to the New York Knicks was a welcome change from recent blowout defeats.
“It was definitely better that they had a competitive loss… not the blowout loss in Minnesota. That makes it a lot easier for sure,” Elliott said.
Trade Deadline Seen as the Key Window for Anthony Davis
The conversation quickly shifted to Davis, whose future has dominated league-wide speculation. The hosts discussed whether the Mavericks should pursue a trade immediately or wait until Davis returns and potentially raises his market value.
Elliott said Dallas should resist trading Davis at a low point.
“I want Anthony Davis’ trade value to be at its highest peak,” he said.
But Elliott also acknowledged the risk of waiting.
“If you wait… and then he gets hurt when he comes back, now you really cannot trade Anthony Davis,” he said.
Grant Afseth added that the ideal timing for any move would be closer to the trade deadline, when leverage and league-wide urgency typically increase.
“You get your best value the closer you get to the deadline,” Afseth said.
Afseth noted that unresolved front-office structure and uncertainty around Irving’s future also complicate how teams view Davis’ availability.
Mark Cuban’s Voice Re-Emerges in Personnel Discussions
The hosts addressed Cuban’s expanded presence following the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison. Cuban, now an unpaid adviser, has re-established a more active line of communication with team governor Patrick Dumont.
Elliott said Cuban’s role has increased but remains limited in formality.
“He’s just an unpaid advisor… he’s not the new GM,” Elliott said.
He added that Cuban’s recent pushback on Davis trade rumors appeared intentional.
“It was a PR spin to save face,” Elliott said. “That was his way of saying he has a little bit of pull.”
Afseth said Cuban’s experience remains valued as the organization reassesses its long-term direction.
“Mark Cuban is certainly one of those voices that is being listened to,” Afseth said.
Kyrie Irving’s Value on the Floor and His Control Over His Future
The hosts strongly supported the reported organizational desire to keep Irving long term, emphasizing both his basketball fit and his role in the team’s relationship with its fanbase.
Elliott said the Mavericks need stabilizing figures after a turbulent year.
“What is the organization trying to do right now? They’re trying to do a PR rehabilitation of the fans,” he said.
He also credited Irving for helping sustain fan enthusiasm after the Luka Dončić trade.
“Kyrie played a big part in that as well… he still had fans coming, still had fans being loud,” Elliott said.
Afseth broke down why Irving remains essential from a basketball standpoint, particularly for Cooper Flagg’s development.
“When you have someone like Kyrie who attracts so much attention, it opens up easier matchups for Cooper Flagg,” Afseth said.
He added that Irving’s personal preference remains central to the franchise’s long-term planning.
“A lot of this comes down to what Kyrie wants,” Afseth said.
Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell Discussed as Logical Trade Candidates
The podcast also addressed the future of veterans such as Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell, both of whom could become trade candidates as the Mavericks decide how aggressively to reposition their roster.
Afseth said the calculus is straightforward for older players.
“If you’re over 30, you’re in that box,” he said.
Afseth cautioned that younger contributors should not be moved unless the return is overwhelming.
“You want to not trade players that you really feel like are going to help you potentially for three-plus years,” Afseth said.
Shooting and Turnovers Continue to Undercut Late-Game Efforts
The hosts reviewed the ending of the loss to the Knicks, including the offensive-foul call on Brandon Williams that erased a potential game-winning layup.
Elliott said the moment fit a season-long pattern of late-game frustration.
“That’s a take-foul call. Being on the downside of these situations is a frustrating position to be in,” he said.
Afseth tied the loss to broader issues, noting the Mavericks rank near the bottom of the league in three-point shooting.
“Your defense can only help you so much if you’re shooting that poorly,” Afseth said.
Dallas is now 3–9 in clutch games.
Danté Exum Out for Season; Other Injuries Unchanged
The episode closed with injury updates, including the team’s announcement that Danté Exum will miss the season due to complications with his right knee.
Afseth said the development aligned with his own observations from weeks of limited activity.
“I never saw him do legitimate workouts yet,” Afseth said. “He just never really looked like he was coming close to playing.”
Elliott noted that Cooper Flagg continues to manage a thumb injury but missed the Knicks game because of illness. Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford remain limited as they work through lower-body injuries. No update has been issued on Davis’ next reevaluation.
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