The Dallas Mavericks acquired Russian guard Vsevolod Ishchenko with the No. 56 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after trading with the Los Angeles Lakers, who obtained the selection from the Chicago Bulls.
The Mavericks sent cash considerations to Los Angeles to complete the move, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
The transaction came after a busy draft-night sequence involving the Mavericks. Dallas had already reshaped its first-round position by acquiring No. 25 pick Sergio De Larrea from the New York Knicks in exchange for No. 30 pick Koa Peat and two future second-round selections. The Mavericks ultimately selected Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9 and added De Larrea through the trade.
Ishchenko, 21, becomes another international prospect in Dallas’ development pipeline. The 6-foot-6 guard was born on February 10, 2005, and spent the 2025-26 season with Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia’s VTB League.
The Russian wing improved significantly in his second VTB season, averaging 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 35 games while shooting 53.3% from the field and 48.1% from three-point range. He also recorded 1.2 steals per game and posted a 12.8 efficiency rating, showing production across multiple areas in 22.8 minutes per night.
Ishchenko’s previous season was more limited, as he averaged 3.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 17 games while playing 11.6 minutes per contest. His increased role with Lokomotiv Kuban helped him become a more complete contributor before entering the draft.
Dallas adds Ishchenko to a roster built around young talent after finishing the 2025-26 season with a 26-56 record, missing the playoffs. The Mavericks’ rotation already featured rookie Cooper Flagg, who averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists while earning first-place Rookie of the Year voting, along with younger players such as Ryan Nembhard and Max Christie.
