Bobby Marks slaps Dallas with an unprecedented ‘horrible’ reality

The Dallas Mavericks they face a bleak financial picture that ESPN insider Bobby Marks believes is unlike anything the franchise has faced. During an appearance on the DLLS Dallas Mavericks Podcast, Marks outlined Mavericks’ growing concern as they fall deeper into luxury tax territory while sitting nearby at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Marx did not hold back. He described the Mavericks’ prospects as the worst in team history and warned that the organization is headed for an enormous financial penalty next season. He estimated the Mavericks could face nearly $370 million in combined salary and tax payments. Marks added that the estimated tax penalty alone could reach $150 million or more. Increasing contracts for Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irvingand PJ Washington, along with a roster full of mid-level salaries and a lottery-level draft pick, pushed the team closer to the restrictive second apron.

ESPN Front Office insider Bobby Marks on the Mavericks’ financial situation now and going forward:

“It’s probably the scariest it’s ever been in franchise history. 😬.” #MFFL

(🎥: @DLLS_Mavs) pic.twitter.com/mm84IHipTn

— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) November 19, 2025

Dallas is already paying the luxury tax again and will likely be a repeat tax team for the fourth time in five seasons. A second apron would limit many team building options, including the ability to return additional crafting pay. Dallas would be limited to signing players through the minimum veteran exception. It’s a tough road for a team trying to rebuild around a rookie Cooper Flagg.

The Mavericks’ poor start adds even more urgency

The Mavericks’ poor start adds even more urgency.

Jason Kidd‘s group starts 4-11. Anthony Davis appeared in just a few games due to injury, and Irving was sidelined. The front office situation is in disarray following the firing of general manager Nick Harrison. Interim decision makers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi have limited flexibility and limited trade options until mid-December.

There are small bright spots. Flagg showed promise as a potential future face of the franchise. Moreover, Dallas owns its first-round pick in what is expected to be a strong draft class in 2026. Still, with limited draft capital and rising costs, the franchise may have to consider big moves. That includes a possible Davis trade. The move would help avoid being trapped at the bottom of the table and deep inside the second apron for years to come.