Mavericks hire Dusty May as mock draft links Michigan star Aday Mara to Dallas
Reports confirm the hiring of Dusty May on the eve of the 2026 NBA Draft, while a CBS Sports simulation suggests a defensive alignment with Aday Mara and ongoing trade talks with Oklahoma City.
The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly appointed Michigan head coach Dusty May as their next head coach on the eve of the 2026 NBA Draft. The move places May in charge of a franchise that secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft with a 1.8 per cent probability, according to historical context provided by CBS Sports. May arrives in Dallas having spent two seasons at the University of Michigan, where he is credited with transforming the program into a national powerhouse and leading the Wolverines to a national title in the 2025-26 season.
With the coaching change confirmed, speculation has turned to how the Mavericks will utilise their No. 9 pick in the upcoming draft. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks have held talks with the Oklahoma City Thunder regarding a potential trade down from the ninth selection. The Thunder hold the No. 12 and No. 17 picks in the first round, offering Dallas an opportunity to accumulate additional assets if they move back in the lottery order.
In a 2026 NBA mock draft scenario published by CBS Sports, the Mavericks are projected to retain the No. 9 pick and select former Michigan player Aday Mara. Mara, who transferred from UCLA to Michigan last season, is highlighted in the simulation for his shot-blocking ability. The mock suggests that Mara would provide significant defensive support alongside former No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, creating a frontcourt alignment that mirrors the success May experienced in Ann Arbor.
The CBS Sports analysis notes that if Mara is unavailable, Dallas could look toward other Michigan alumni such as Yaxel Lendeborg or Morez Johnson Jr. The report describes the trio of Mara, Lendeborg, and Johnson as having worn down opposing teams during the NCAA Tournament, contributing to the Wolverines’ dominant run to the national championship. This potential roster construction underscores the strategic continuity May may bring to the Mavericks’ organisational structure.
Beyond the Mavericks’ specific draft strategy, the mock draft simulation includes other high-profile hypothetical scenarios. The report details a potential trade in which the Milwaukee Bucks would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in exchange for the No. 13 first-round pick. These projections, while speculative, reflect the complex trade dynamics and player movements that may influence the broader league landscape as the 60-selection draft commences.
