The Dallas Mavericks made significant changes to their lineup at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, acquiring Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, Tyus Jones, and A.J. Johnson. These additions set the stage for possible debuts against the San Antonio Spurs during their upcoming Saturday night game, although their playing status remains uncertain. The Mavericks’ roster reshuffle came as part of a complex trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, leaving coach Jason Kidd with a drastically altered team.
Details of the Recent Trade
The blockbuster deal involved Dallas trading away Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum in exchange for the four new players. Alongside the player swaps, Dallas secured five draft picks, including the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2026 first-round pick, adding future assets. Previously, Davis had been sidelined since early January, and Russell last appeared on the court around the same time. Hardy was the only outgoing player contributing regularly prior to the trade.
Implications for the Mavericks’ Lineup and Season
Despite the major roster adjustments, coach Kidd is expected to maintain a consistent rotation through the remainder of the season. Khris Middleton, who averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 34 games with Washington before the trade, is anticipated to play a significant supporting role coming off the bench. Marvin Bagley adds valuable frontcourt depth to mitigate absences, particularly with both Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II sidelined for the past month. Tyus Jones and A.J. Johnson also bolster the roster but may require time to integrate fully.
Context Surrounding the Trade and Upcoming Matchup
Saturday’s contest marks the second game of a back-to-back mini-series between Dallas and San Antonio, with the first game played hours after the trade deadline at the American Airlines Center, where traded players were absent. This trade is another ripple effect from Dallas’ prior major acquisition of Anthony Davis during the 2025 deadline, a move that dramatically reshaped the franchise. The Mavericks, currently holding a 19-32 record, appear focused on improving their depth while building for the future with added draft capital.
What to Watch for in the Spurs Game
The Mavericks’ newly acquired players are not yet guaranteed to take the floor, but if Middleton and his teammates make their debuts, they could quickly become key contributors as Dallas seeks to salvage the season. The infusion of experience and size aims to support Luka Dončić and stabilize a roster that has endured injuries and major changes. The impact of these moves will be closely monitored as the Mavericks look to reestablish momentum in a difficult Western Conference.
The Mavericks are en route to San Antonio to play the Spurs on Saturday night and newly acquired Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III and Tyus Jones are all scheduled meet the team there, league sources tell @DLLS_Sports.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 6, 2026
