The Southwest division is rebooting fast, with Dallas, Houston and San Antonio rolling out high-upside rosters and veterans like Durant and Russell anchoring new supergroups. Wembanyama leads San Antonio’s youth movement while Durant teams with Houston’s scorers; Flagg fuels Dallas’ rebuild, and Memphis and New Orleans address wing depth and scoring via bold trades. The league’s most unpredictable, but most exciting, race in years starts with a roster reshuffle that could redefine fantasy upside across the West.

Early-season matchups will test how quickly these teams gel: Flagg’s debut in Dallas, Durant’s impact in Houston, and Wembanyama’s rookie-era ceiling in San Antonio will shape the fantasy pace. Poole, Poole’s move to New Orleans, and the Suns’ backcourt reshuffle add more moving parts for daily leagues. Expect elevated expectations and aggressive waiver adds as divisions tilt toward a new competitive equilibrium.

Dallas added D’Angelo Russell and Cooper Flagg as part of a broader off-season push, with ESPN listing 14 newcomers and placing Flagg eighth—hinting at immediate playoff-impact potential for Dallas as he develops into a star alongside Luka Doncic. The Lone Star rookie cohort also features Dylan Harper with San Antonio, while Kevin Durant headlines the Texas entrants with Houston. Dallas’ roster shuffle and coaching tweaks set a clear playoff-aim trajectory.

Dante Exum is back with the Dallas Mavericks, adding guard depth as early-season ball-handling duties are shared with D’Angelo Russell while Kyrie Irving returns from ACL rehab. Dallas cleared a roster space by waiving Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a move that stirs immediate questions about wing depth and rotation. Exum, who missed most of last season due to injuries, averaged 8.7 points in 20 games (13 starts) in 2024-25, underscoring his potential if he can stay healthy.

Early-year usage will hinge on health and fit: Russell and Exum provide playmaking, Irving remains the high-usage catalyst, and Doncic’s heavy usage continues to shape the backcourt. The move signals a guard-centric plan in Dallas with eyes on maximizing star talent while managing minutes and injuries.

Kyrie Irving shows progress six months after ACL tear, with clips of deep shooting fueling hope for a return to peak form. Realistic ramp is gradual, but the sign of mobility and shot feel matters for his fantasy ceiling.

Dallas Mavericks must navigate guard depth as Irving nears return. D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum provide stopgap help, while Jaden Hardy and Max Christie develop. If Irving approaches prior form, Dallas could mount a late push in an injury-plagued season.