The Dallas Mavericks Seem Set on Cooper Flagg — Which Is Exactly Why You Can’t Be Sure
Supposedly, the Dallas Mavericks have already made up their minds. The only thing left is handing the pick to the commissioner.
According to persistent leaks, on June 25 the Mavs will use the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to select 18-year-old Cooper Flagg.
Hoops HQ even cited internal sources as saying: “We are 100 percent drafting Cooper Flagg. There will be no trades for our pick on draft night.”
Well then. Case closed?
Not quite.
Flagg is the reigning college player of the year — a 6-foot-7¾, 221-pound forward who led Duke to the Final Four while averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals. He can shoot, he can jump, he defends, and he isn’t afraid to take the big shots. He checks every box. There’s no logical reason to pass on him.
But this is the Mavericks.
And when you’re talking about a team whose GM, Nico Harrison, traded Luka Dončić — yes, that actually happened — then all bets are off. If Harrison was willing to ship out the franchise cornerstone, there’s no guarantee he won’t deal the No. 1 pick, especially if the right offer lands on the table.
It’s not just about Flagg’s potential. It’s about the team’s window. With 33-year-old Kyrie Irving and 32-year-old Anthony Davis as their top guys, does adding a teenager really help the Mavericks contend for a championship now? Flagg was in preschool when Kyrie won Rookie of the Year in 2012.
So, just in case Nico is taking notes (and honestly, he should be), let’s explore a few hypothetical deals in a little game of: Who Says No?
Trade #1: Cooper Flagg for Nikola Jokić
Jokić is 30 and coming off a historic season — career highs in points (29.6), assists (10.2), three-pointers made (138), three-point percentage (41.7%), and steals (1.8), with 12.7 rebounds to boot. He’s also a three-time MVP and a finalist again this year.
Pair him with Davis and Irving, and the Mavs are instant title favorites.
So who says no? The Nuggets, obviously. Trading Jokić would slam shut their title window — and probably ignite a riot in Denver.
Trade #2: Cooper Flagg for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis is just a couple of months older than Jokić and also an MVP finalist. He’s elite — but aging, and his body may not be holding up quite as well. He also hit just 22.2% from beyond the arc this season. That’s a liability in today’s game.
In this case, the Mavs probably say no. As great as Giannis is, he doesn’t bring the same all-around dominance or shooting efficiency as Jokić. Dallas wants a title, not just a name.
Trade #3: Is There a Young Star With a Higher Ceiling Than Flagg?
Let’s get wild.
Victor Wembanyama? The Spurs don’t just say no — they laugh.
Jayson Tatum? Maybe, before the Achilles injury.
Anthony Edwards? Intriguing. But Minnesota says no — Edwards is becoming the face of the league.
Cade Cunningham? Now that’s a conversation. Detroit might listen.
Still, these are long shots.
Trade #4: Cooper Flagg for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)
SGA is 26, just led the NBA in scoring (32.7 PPG), win shares (16.7), and is a top-three MVP finalist. The Thunder had the league’s best record, and SGA seems to get every favorable whistle. He’s in his prime and only getting better.
So who says no?
Oklahoma City, easily. They have the deepest young core in the NBA and zero incentive to reset with a rookie. Unless Nico Harrison sends Flagg and a few miracles, Sam Presti won’t even take the call.
But here’s a fun twist:
If Harrison did pull off a Flagg-for-SGA swap… would Mavs fans forgive him for trading Dončić?
Probably not. Dončić was Dallas. Flagg could become great. SGA already is. But the emotional damage may be permanent — unless Nico gets SGA plus Chet Holmgren. And Jalen Williams. And maybe trades himself for Sam Presti.
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