Dallas Mavericks open training camp with injury woes testing depth: Daniel Gafford sprained his ankle and will miss the remainder of camp, likely affecting the preseason. P.J. Washington bumped his head; Brandon Williams is sidelined for a week with a hamstring strain; Dante Exum has missed practices for undisclosed reasons. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving out long-term, young wings and reserves must prove themselves early, while Jason Kidd prioritizes health as the foundation for a productive season.

The Mavericks are using the waive-and-stretch on Olivier-Maxence Prosper to clear a roster spot and fund depth for next season, especially with Kyrie Irving out for a portion due to an ACL injury. Dallas has shifted guard duties to D’Angelo Russell as a starter in Irving’s absence, but the bench backing him up needed a reliable playmaker. Waiving O-Max, a 22-year-old former first-round pick, creates space to re-sign Dante Exum, whose size and defense are prized in Jason Kidd’s system. The move also trims Prosper’s remaining money, enabling cap relief to stay under the second tax apron while pursuing depth and stability in the backcourt. The addition of Cooper Flagg to a forward rotation that already features Washington, Davis, and others further shapes the frontcourt dynamic as Dallas retools for the season ahead.

With Kyrie Irving sidelined for a significant portion of the 2025-26 season, the Dallas Mavericks are looking for solutions to fill the backcourt void. Among potential candidates is Brandon Williams, a talented guard who has shown promise in his short NBA career. At just 25 years old, Williams stands at 6'1" and has gained valuable experience in the league, despite being undrafted after a knee injury during his college career at Arizona.

Williams made a name for himself in his freshman season at Arizona, averaging 11.4 points per game and earning All-Freshman honors. His transition to the Mavericks has been marked by impressive performances in the G League, leading to his signing with the team. His versatility and athleticism allow him to contribute effectively, particularly in light of Irving's absence.

Kyrie Irving made his first public appearance in Dallas since signing a three-year, $119 million extension, attending a Dallas Wings game with his daughter. The game featured notable Mavericks players, including Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Brandon Williams, despite the absence of Caitlin Clark due to injury. The atmosphere was lively with the Wings showcasing their talent, particularly their top draft pick, Paige Bueckers. Notable figures spotted at the game included Cowboys' defensive end Micah Parsons and Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban.