In a move that has sent waves of excitement throughout the NBA and the city of Dallas, the Dallas Mavericks have officially announced the return of franchise favorite Josh Howard as the team’s new Managing Director of Basketball Operations, starting in the 2025–26 NBA season. The announcement, confirmed by ESPN and Mavericks ownership, marks a powerful reunion and a defining step toward a bold, championship-focused future.
Howard, a former NBA All-Star and a vital part of the Mavericks’ rise during the early 2000s, will work alongside Head Coach Jason Kidd — his former teammate — to shape the next era of Dallas basketball. The partnership brings together two cornerstones of Mavs history with a shared vision: restoring the team’s competitive dominance while deepening its cultural foundation.
“This is home,” Howard said during his official reintroduction at American Airlines Center. “The Mavericks believed in me from day one. Now I get to give that same belief back to the next generation — as a leader, mentor, and builder of what’s next.”
Howard played seven seasons with the Mavericks (2003–2010) after being drafted 29th overall in 2003. Known for his tenacity, versatility, and leadership, he was a key figure in Dallas’s playoff runs and earned an All-Star nod in 2007. Since retiring, he has turned heads with his work as a head coach at the collegiate level and as a player development consultant.
As Managing Director, Howard will lead front office initiatives including player acquisition, development systems, and long-term roster strategy. He’ll also play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between players, coaches, and the community — a role team officials say fits Howard’s personality and passion perfectly.
Mavericks Governor Mark Cuban praised the hire as a “culture-defining moment.”
“Josh is a Maverick through and through. He brings championship hunger, real basketball knowledge, and a deep love for this city. This is about more than just basketball — it’s about identity.”
Jason Kidd, who now enters his fifth season as head coach, was equally excited about the reunion.
“We battled together on the court. Now we’re teaming up to lead together from the top,” Kidd said. “Josh gets what it takes to win here — and how to lead with heart.”
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the Mavericks, who are retooling their roster around superstar Luka Dončić and emerging star Dereck Lively II. With Howard in the front office and Kidd on the bench, Dallas fans are buzzing with renewed confidence that the franchise is building toward sustained success.
Social media lit up with the hashtag #HowardReturns, and tributes from former players like Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion poured in, calling the move “poetic,” “powerful,” and “pure Dallas.”
As the Mavericks gear up for what promises to be a transformative offseason, one thing is clear: with Josh Howard and Jason Kidd at the helm, Big D is embracing its past — and charging full speed into a bold new future.
Leave a Reply