The Dallas Mavericks are heading into the 2026 NBA Draft with the No. 9 overall pick, and the rumor mill is already heating up. After landing back-to-back top-10 selections for the first time since the 2017-18 season, the Mavs are in a prime position to add another key piece to their young core.

According to the Dallas Morning News' Tim Cowlishaw, Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. could be a realistic target. Cowlishaw, who saw Brown play in person on Feb. 17 when SMU took down a ranked Louisville squad 95-85, was impressed by his game. "A point guard with good long-range shooting skills who used his left hand like a pro, driving against the Mustangs, Brown checks all the boxes but one, which is why he might be available when Dallas picks," Cowlishaw noted.

Brown was one of the most productive guards in college basketball last season when healthy, averaging 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 25 games. However, his year was cut short after he missed the final six games due to a back injury—a red flag that could see him slide in the draft.

The Mavericks are on the hunt for a secondary playmaker and elite shot creator to complement their rising star, Cooper Flagg. Brown’s scoring ability and playmaking upside make him an intriguing backcourt partner, especially if his injury history doesn't scare off the front office. As Cowlishaw put it, "I recognize that new president Masai Ujiri and new GM Mike Schmitz—a former ESPN draft analyst himself—were hired for a reason, so they will do their exhaustive study along with Mavericks scouts."

With the NBA Draft set for June 23-24, the Mavericks have just over six weeks to finalize their evaluations. If Brown remains a serious consideration, he could be the dynamic guard Dallas needs to elevate their offense and take the next step in their rebuild.