The rebuilding process is accelerating for the Utah Jazz heading into their game with the Dallas Mavericks in Salt Lake City on Monday night. After posting a franchise-low 17 wins a year ago, Utah already has nine wins in mid-December this season.

The Dallas Mavericks might have a plan in place to try and lure Luka Doncic back to the franchise once he hits free agency in a few years.

On December 9, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that the Dallas Mavericks are open to exploring the trade market for multiple core players. League sources told ESPN that Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and D’Angelo Russell are all being discussed internally.

The Dallas Mavericks found rare success during the 2025-26 NBA season following their matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. The Dallas Mavericks showed some potential of making a comeback this season after a 119-111 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard — two undrafted players — are stepping up big time for the Dallas Mavericks.

Gafford, who signed a tradable three-year extension with the Mavericks during the offseason, is vitally important to the franchise as the best center on the roster. Veteran big man Dwight Powell and two-way rookie Moussa Cisse are also options for Kidd.

Dallas Mavericks' young center Dereck Lively II is undergoing season-ending surgery on his right foot due to chronic pain. This marks his third procedure in a year, impacting his availability significantly.

The Utah Jazz (8-15) will try to beat the Dallas Mavericks (9-16) at Delta Center on Monday.