New lead decision-maker Masai Ujiri didn't make sweeping changes up and down the roster and largely kept the core intact, but the Dallas Mavericks still managed to make a series of fascinating moves this offseason, including trading for Spanish sharpshooter and playmaker Sergio de Larrea for Koa Peat on draft night.
They spent very few resources to take a couple of fliers on interesting players. Seeing whether Santi Aldama, Marcus Sasser and Tarik Biberovic can be a part of this team long-term makes sense ahead of Cooper Flagg's second season in the league.
However, the de Larrea trade has gone under the radar and stands out as a big win for the Mavericks.
Bringing Sergio de Larrea over now will pay dividends for the Mavs
When Dallas drafted Sergio de Larrea with the No. 25 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, many thought the 6-foot-6 point guard would be stashed overseas for at least another season. Instead, the Mavs made the surprising decision to bring him over right away, and this should serve them well.
The Spanish guard had a big role for Valencia in a highly successful season, winning the Liga ACB and making a deep postseason run in the EuroLeague. It would have been totally fine to let him develop further in Europe and gain valuable high-level experience.
However, it always makes more sense to have prospects that you are invested in in your building. Even if the 20-year-old rookie isn't going to play a ton of minutes right away, he will have ample opportunity to learn and grow. He can develop under the tutelage of Kyrie Irving. If the star guard is traded, de Larrea can have a chance to get an expanded role.
There may not be a better mentor and teacher in the NBA for a young point guard than Irving. Plus, it's not like the Mavs have a ton of options behind him for the future. De Larrea could very well outplay Ryan Nembhard and Marcus Sasser to be the backup point guard right away.
In his three Summer League games so far, the Spaniard has already shown intriguing flashes. His 16-point, 12-assist showing against Memphis on Monday could be a sign of what's to come. He has struggled with efficiency as his jump shot hasn't fallen in Las Vegas so far, but he has a proven track record as a solid shooter.
To go even deeper, de Larrea has a near four-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio. (h/t Kevin Gray Jr. from All-City DLLS)
De Larrea is a modern, prototypical lead initiator with excellent positional size. He lacks the speed and athleticism to be a true difference-maker right away, but he has the craft and vision to build upon. Bringing him along now allows the Mavericks to start molding him right away. This includes getting him stronger and improving his athleticism.
If he can improve in these physical aspects of the game, the Mavs may have a solid rotation player in their hands sooner rather than later.
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