With the Dallas Mavericks not likely going anywhere this season, the goal needs to be simple: Tank for a favorable lottery pick. The Mavs don't need to rush Kyrie Irving back, and with injuries to Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, it's not going to be enough to make the playoffs.
This is only the first part of the plan, but the next part is important to the Mavs' franchise for years to come. After 2026, Dallas doesn't fully control their first-round pick until 2031. With the team they have now, they have a prime opportunity to grab some first-round picks in a trade this season.