The Dallas Mavericks made a strategic move during the 2026 NBA Draft, acquiring Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea with the No. 25 pick after a trade with the New York Knicks.
Why it matters: The Mavericks have struggled with perimeter shooting, ranking 26th in the NBA last season. De Larrea’s arrival aims to address this glaring need.
De Larrea averaged 7.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in just over 14 minutes per game in Spain.
He shot 45.0% from the field, 40.9% from three-point range, and 81.2% from the foul line.
At 20 years old, he is considered one of the top young international prospects in the draft class.
Driving the news: The Knicks traded back from the No. 24 pick to No. 25, receiving cash and five second-round picks from Dallas in the process.
In exchange for De Larrea, the Knicks received the No. 30 pick, Koa Peat, and two second-round picks.
De Larrea’s draft rights were initially held by the Lakers before being traded to the Knicks and then to the Mavericks.
This trade marks a proactive step for the Mavericks as they seek to improve their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
The big picture: De Larrea is not just a shooter; his skills extend beyond deep-range shooting.
He brings a combination of size and basketball IQ that allows him to play both on and off the ball effectively.
His accolades include winning the Spanish Supercup MVP and the Liga ACB Best Young Player award.
His experience in high-level European basketball will help him transition smoothly to the NBA.
What they're saying: Analysts are optimistic about De Larrea’s potential impact in Dallas.
“He offers a mix of inside scoring, cutting, and deep-range shooting,” said a sports analyst discussing his skill set.
Many believe he can help fix the Mavericks' perimeter shooting woes, which plagued them last season.
“If he can find his shot, you bet he will earn tons of minutes next season,” another expert noted.
By the numbers: The Mavericks finished last season with a three-point shooting percentage of 34.4%, ranking them 26th in the league.
De Larrea’s three-point percentage of 40.9% stands out as a key asset for the Mavericks moving forward.
Dallas traded the No. 30 pick along with two second-round picks to acquire De Larrea.
De Larrea joins a roster that includes other promising talents like Morez Johnson Jr., selected 9th in the same draft.
What's next: The Mavericks now look ahead to the upcoming season with a revamped roster.
De Larrea's immediate future remains uncertain; he could either join the Mavericks or return to Spain for another season.
His performance in preseason will be closely watched as he competes for a spot in the rotation.
With the Mavericks focused on improving their shooting, De Larrea’s role could be integral to their success.