The Dallas Mavericks hold the No. 1 selection in the 2025 NBA draft and have publicly stated their intention to select Duke forward Cooper Flagg on June 25. They have also indicated they are not open to trading this top pick, even for a proven superstar player.
However, the hypothetical question remains: what kind of trade offer could possibly arrive on the desks of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont that would at least warrant brief consideration, even if ultimately rejected?
With the draft less than a month away, we explore some potential scenarios for Flagg`s professional future, focusing on hypothetical trades despite the Mavericks` current stance.
Before securing the top pick in the draft lottery, Dallas was already viewed as a potential Western Conference contender for the upcoming season, provided they could maintain a healthy roster. The acquisition of the No. 1 pick, and with it, the consensus top first-year talent in Flagg, has only amplified these expectations.
Flagg would join a Mavericks roster projected to return 13 players under contract from the previous season, including key figures like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving (who has a player option). It`s anticipated that Irving may miss significant time early in the season as he recovers from a torn left ACL sustained in March.
Dallas does possess some flexibility if they *were* to explore a trade. Besides the top pick, they hold the Los Angeles Lakers` unprotected first-round pick in 2029 and retain the ability to trade their own first-round pick in either 2031 or 2032. Their roster also includes ten players earning between $2 million and $16 million annually, such as Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford.
Despite having three tradeable first-round picks and two second-rounders, the Mavericks currently sit about $17 million over the luxury tax threshold and exceed both salary cap aprons. This complex financial situation adds another layer to potential trade considerations.
Another significant factor is whether ownership would approve trading a high-upside No. 1 pick like Flagg for a player like Milwaukee`s Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has only two years remaining on his current contract.
We consulted with NBA insiders to formulate potential trade proposals for the Mavericks` top pick and the rights to draft Cooper Flagg. Let`s examine these hypothetical deals, starting with a closer look at Dallas`s current situation leading into the draft.
How Keeping the No. 1 Pick Impacts the Mavs` Future
Immediately after the Mavericks won the right to draft Flagg on May 12, speculation arose among team executives regarding whether the pick might be available for trade if a compelling offer emerged. Given General Manager Nico Harrison`s history of aggressive business pursuits, this wasn`t an unreasonable question.
Since taking over basketball operations in June 2021, Harrison has executed 16 trades, consistently seeking the right combination of players to build a championship contender. His move to swap Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis last February was a prime example, signaling a clear “win-now” mandate, especially with Davis having three years remaining on his contract.
However, sources have confirmed that the Mavericks plan to select Flagg and are not entertaining the possibility of trading the pick for a proven superstar.
While the temptation exists, particularly if a player like Antetokounmpo were genuinely available, Dallas`s approach seems strategically sound from a roster construction and financial perspective.
Financially, Flagg`s rookie contract over four years is comparable to signing a player using the non-tax midlevel exception. His projected salary of $13.8 million in his first year is well below the average player salary in the league.
With Davis and Irving already on significant contracts for next season, swapping Flagg`s relatively modest rookie salary for a player earning over $50 million annual would create substantial financial pressure and makes little sense.
Furthermore, first-round picks like Flagg typically remain with their original team beyond their initial contract. The Mavericks could potentially control Flagg`s contract for the next four seasons on his rookie deal, followed by another five years through restricted free agency, offering long-term stability and value.
Potential Trade Offers for Cooper Flagg
Offer No. 1: Spurs Move Up to Build Frontcourt of the Future
Dallas Mavericks get: 2025 No. 2 pick, 2025 No. 14 pick, 2027 Atlanta Hawks` first-rounder, return of swap rights to Mavericks` 2030 first-rounder
San Antonio Spurs get: 2025 No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagg)
The primary goal of this trade is audacious: to pair Cooper Flagg with Victor Wembanyama, creating arguably the most hyped frontcourt duo since Tim Duncan and David Robinson. Though the Spurs narrowly missed winning the lottery, they possess assets that could potentially entice Dallas to swap the first pick for the second.
Determining the cost to move up just one spot at the very top of the draft is tricky. In 2017, the Boston Celtics sent only one future first-rounder to Philadelphia to move from No. 3 to No. 1. However, that scenario isn`t a perfect parallel, as Celtics GM Danny Ainge reportedly didn`t value the consensus top prospect, Markelle Fultz, as highly as Flagg is valued this year.
To construct a more relevant offer, we can look to an older draft trade model. In 1993, the Golden State Warriors sent three future first-round picks to the Orlando Magic to swap the No. 3 pick (Penny Hardaway) for the No. 1 pick (Chris Webber). That scenario feels more applicable here, with Flagg standing in for Webber (a mega-prospect after a standout college year) and potentially Dylan Harper filling the Hardaway role as a dynamic guard available at No. 2.
To bridge the perceived gap between the two prospects, San Antonio would offer Dallas three draft assets to help replenish the Mavericks` somewhat limited draft capital. This package includes a late lottery pick in the 2025 draft, a potentially valuable unprotected Hawks pick in 2027, and the return of Dallas`s own 2030 swap rights, originally sent to San Antonio in the Grant Williams three-team sign-and-trade.
This trade holds significant appeal for San Antonio, allowing them to establish their potential frontcourt foundation for the next decade without sacrificing any of their own future first-rounders. For the Mavericks, as long as they rate the player available at No. 2 (whether Harper, Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, or another prospect) close enough to Flagg, this swap provides valuable draft assets that could be used for future team building or trades.
Offer No. 2: Cavaliers Form New Star Trio in Flagg, Mobley, and Garland (Multi-Team Deal)
Dallas Mavericks get: Guard Donovan Mitchell, 2031 first-round pick (via Lakers), 2028 first-round swap (via Lakers), 2030 first-round swap (via Lakers)
Cleveland Cavaliers get: 2025 No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagg), guards Jevon Carter and Gabe Vincent, forwards Maxi Kleber and P.J. Washington, center Daniel Gafford
Los Angeles Lakers get: Center Jarrett Allen
Chicago Bulls get: Forwards Dalton Knecht and Caleb Martin, 2026 second-round pick (via Cavaliers), 2027 second-round pick (via Nuggets), 2028 second-round pick (via Cavaliers)
To borrow a phrase, “You want to get nuts? Let`s get nuts.” This complex four-team trade scenario asks if the Cavaliers would dismantle a team that achieved a strong record (64-18) to pursue Flagg. While unlikely, if Cleveland concluded that their playoff exit exposed fundamental weaknesses and decided to reorient the franchise around 23-year-old Evan Mobley, this maneuver could theoretically benefit multiple parties.
For the Mavericks, Donovan Mitchell represents a potentially better fit than a frontcourt player like Antetokounmpo, who might crowd their existing big-man depth. Mitchell could initially start at point guard while Kyrie Irving recovers, then transition to a shooting guard role upon Irving`s return. Dallas also acquires the valuable Lakers` draft assets that they previously sought in the trade involving Luka Doncic, betting against the future decline of the Lakers` roster.
Cleveland would establish a new core trio featuring Flagg, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland, all under the age of 26. This framework could allow the Cavaliers to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, relying on depth and defense. A frontcourt featuring Flagg, Mobley, and either Gafford or Washington would be among the league`s best defensively, while sliding Max Strus to guard could improve backcourt size.
This trade would need to be completed before June 30, when Mitchell`s contract extension increases his salary significantly, potentially triggering a hard cap for the Mavericks at the first salary apron. Although the Cavaliers might not see immediate luxury tax savings in 2025-26, acquiring three expiring contracts offers substantial financial relief in 2026-27. These expiring deals could also be used in future trades or stretched for cap flexibility.
The Lakers finally land their long-sought rim-running center in Jarrett Allen, arguably the best available big man target for them based on current value. Acquiring Allen comes at the cost of not only the pick, swap, and Dalton Knecht (who they reportedly offered for Charlotte`s Mark Williams) but also an additional swap. If the Lakers succeed in building a competitive team around Allen and Luka Doncic, this second swap might not convey anyway.
The Chicago Bulls are included as the necessary fourth team to ensure none of the other three teams take on additional salary, which would enforce the lower luxury tax apron hard cap. Chicago absorbs the remainder of Caleb Martin`s contract in exchange for receiving Dalton Knecht and several tradeable second-round picks from Cleveland.
Offer No. 3: Mavs Pick Up Booker and Elite Big-Man Depth
Dallas Mavericks get: Devin Booker, 2025 first-rounder (No. 29), 2028 first-rounder (least favorable of own, Knicks and Wizards), 2029 first-round pick swap (least favorable of Cavs, Timberwolves and Jazz)
Phoenix Suns get: 2025 No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagg), Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin
The underlying premise of this offer – trading a potential NBA megastar – is to highlight the argument for the Mavericks needing to upgrade their roster *now*. The trade sending Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis already placed Dallas in a “win-now” mode, with a timeline centered around the aging stars Davis (32) and Irving (33). From this perspective, trading future potential for immediate impact makes sense. Within that framework, trading for Devin Booker is a logical consideration.
The Mavericks, as currently constructed, possess strong big-man depth and an All-Star point guard in Kyrie Irving, but they could significantly benefit from another dynamic perimeter offensive threat. Dallas needs a playmaker who can lead the team when Irving is out but also play effectively alongside him upon his return.
Devin Booker fits this description perfectly. He was a First Team All-NBA selection in 2021-22 and is squarely in his prime at 28 years old. A healthy core of Davis, Irving, and Booker would immediately elevate Dallas into championship contention. Furthermore, Booker is young enough to remain a central figure for the franchise even as Davis and Irving decline. Dallas also receives additional draft considerations in this hypothetical deal.
For the Phoenix Suns, this offseason has the feel of a franchise potentially ready for significant change or even a rebuild. Their attempt to win by assembling three high-scoring stars without sufficient complementary pieces did not yield the desired results. Their salary cap situation is extremely restrictive, and they have already traded away numerous future draft assets.
It has been widely rumored that Phoenix may trade Kevin Durant this offseason. If they were to complete a Durant trade *before* this hypothetical deal, they might acquire more assets to include, making their offer for Flagg even more compelling. Even as structured here, acquiring Flagg as a potential franchise cornerstone for the next generation represents amazing value for the Suns, despite trading Booker and the draft considerations they included.
In the hypothetical scenario where Durant is traded before the draft, the Suns` ability to include assets obtained from that deal would most likely allow them to construct a more competitive offer than the one outlined here.
Analyzing the Most Realistic Offer
The hypothetical trades involving Donovan Mitchell and Devin Booker make the most sense if the Mavericks were strictly adhering to the two-to-three-year timeline that GM Nico Harrison spoke of after trading for Anthony Davis. However, that timeline arguably expanded by an additional eight years the moment Dallas won the draft lottery and secured the right to draft Cooper Flagg, a prospect widely seen as an impactful defender and versatile offensive talent.
Trading out of the No. 1 pick undeniably carries risk given Flagg`s immense upside and his potential fit alongside Anthony Davis. Nevertheless, the trade proposed with the San Antonio Spurs, where Dallas moves back only one spot to No. 2 to potentially draft a player like Dylan Harper while acquiring three additional draft assets (including another first-round pick in this year`s lottery), presents a genuinely compelling offer that would be hard to pass up.
Recall the 2017 draft, where the Boston Celtics traded the No. 1 pick to the Philadelphia 76ers and went on to select future six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum just two spots later at No. 3.
More importantly, acquiring valuable unprotected future first-round picks, such as the ones from Atlanta (2027) and the Lakers (2029) in the hypothetical trades discussed, would strategically position the Mavericks at the front of the line if a bona fide superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant were to become available via trade in the coming years.