Mavericks pursue trade-up for Darius Acuff Jr. in NBA Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 11:30 AM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
The Dallas Mavericks are expressing interest in trading up in the NBA Draft to select Darius Acuff Jr., a standout guard from Arkansas. Despite the team having the No. 9 pick, reports indicate Acuff may be off the board by then due to his impressive performances, including an average of 28.4 points over the final 14 games of the season. After a challenging season that included parting ways with key personnel, the Mavericks are looking to build around rookie Cooper Flagg. If they pursue Acuff, it would signal their focus on securing a long-term backcourt partner for Flagg as the franchise begins its rebuild.
- •Dallas had a turbulent 2025-26 season, changing key personnel.
- •Mavericks hold the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
- •Darius Acuff Jr. averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists this season.
- •Acuff is viewed as a dynamic scorer and potential cornerstone for Dallas.
- •Other teams also interested in trading for Acuff ahead of Dallas.
- 11:30 AMYahoo Sports — NBA Draft Rumors: Mavericks Showing ’Trade-Up Interest’ in ’3-Level Scorer’ To Pair With Cooper Flagg
"It was a turbulent year by all standards in Dallas, with the Mavericks turning the page on their previous era by parting ways with star big man Anthony Davis, general manager Nico Harrison, and, most recently, coach Jason Kidd. Nevertheless, the future appears bright, with reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg spearheading the franchise’s rebuild.
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