NBA Star Doesn't Believe Mavs Can Defend Western Conference Title

Even after making two big trades at last season's deadline, the Dallas Mavericks still flew under the radar as they headed into the postseason with a ton of momentum. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were special in their first full season together, and with a revamped supporting cast, the Mavs made their third NBA Finals appearance in franchise history and first since 2011.

Following a loss to the Boston Celtics in the finals, the Mavs quickly hit the ground running in the offseason. Dallas pulled off a sign-and-trade for star sharpshooter Klay Thompson, signed Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie, and traded Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons for Quentin Grimes.

Given how the Mavs improved their roster after plowing their way through the Western Conference without even being forced to a Game 7 in any of the series, one would think they'd be favored to defend their West crown. However, Dallas is currently tied with the Denver Nuggets (+480) for the third-best odds to win the West next season , with the Minnesota Timberwolves (+450) and Oklahoma City Thunder (+300)–two teams the Mavs beat en route to the finals–listed as the top two favorites.

Apparently, Las Vegas isn't the only one thinking the Mavs won't repeat as West champs. Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell recently joined the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast and made his prediction for which team he believes will come out of the West during the 2024-25 season.

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“I would say it’s probably gonna be Minnesota or OKC," Mitchell said. "I think Minnesota, they some dogs. I think they figured it out too about themselves. They made some trades and made some different acquisitions and all that, but they figured it out. OKC adding Alex Caruso, I don’t think people really understand what that does for that lineup. You’ve already got [Cason] Wallace over there, you’ve got Lu Dort, Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]’s not a bad defender himself. You add Alex Caruso to that lineup.”

The Mavs will be glad to fly under the radar yet again, as it alleviates some pressure as the season progresses. They probably won't pay much attention to Mitchell dismissing them, but if the Mavs and Cavs end up meeting each other in the NBA Finals, Dallas head coach Jason Kidd will have some bulletin board material.