In a stunning turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly considering a seismic shift in their roster strategy, with a bold plan to secure Anthony Davis while doubling down on their pursuit of Duke sensation Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. According to a recent Sporting News report, the Mavericks are prepared to make blockbuster moves to reshape their franchise around these two transformative talents. Here’s a deep dive into this jaw-dropping development and what it could mean for the NBA landscape.
The Anthony Davis Trade: A Blockbuster Revisited
The Mavericks already shocked the basketball world in February 2025 when general manager Nico Harrison orchestrated a trade that sent Luka Dončić, a five-time All-NBA First Team guard, to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick. The trade, widely regarded as one of the most controversial in NBA history, left fans and analysts bewildered, with many questioning whether Dallas extracted enough value for a generational talent like Dončić.
Despite the backlash, Harrison justified the move by emphasizing a “defense-first” philosophy, citing Davis as an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player capable of anchoring a championship-caliber roster. However, Davis’s tenure in Dallas has been marred by injuries, including a left adductor strain that limited his debut and a subsequent absence alongside Kyrie Irving, who suffered a torn ACL. The Mavericks’ season spiraled, with the team ranking among the top five in missed games and using 47 different starting lineups, tied for the fourth-most since 1970-71.
Yet, the Mavericks’ fortunes took a dramatic turn when they won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 overall pick and the opportunity to draft Cooper Flagg. This stroke of luck has fueled speculation about the team’s next steps, with some suggesting that Dallas might not stop at drafting Flagg but could instead use their assets—including Davis—to reshape the roster entirely.
The Cooper Flagg Factor: A Generational Prospect
Cooper Flagg, the Duke Blue Devils’ star forward, is widely regarded as a generational prospect. Standing at 6’8” or 6’9”, Flagg combines elite defensive instincts with offensive versatility, including the ability to shoot and create off the dribble. His intangible qualities, such as leadership and competitiveness, have drawn comparisons to NBA greats, making him a near-lock for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has heaped praise on Flagg, noting his defensive tenacity and offensive potential as a perfect fit for the team’s vision. Reports indicate that Dallas plans to select Flagg and build around him as the new face of the franchise, especially after the departure of Dončić. However, the Mavericks’ front office, led by the polarizing Nico Harrison, is known for bold and unpredictable moves, leaving open the possibility of trading the No. 1 pick or other key assets to maximize their championship window.
The Trade Proposal: Anthony Davis to Charlotte?
In a wild trade proposal by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, the Mavericks could consider trading Anthony Davis to the Charlotte Hornets to fully commit to a rebuild centered around Flagg. The proposed deal would see Dallas receive Miles Bridges, Jusuf Nurkić, and three first-round picks (2027, 2029, and 2031) in exchange for Davis. The rationale behind this trade is to clear Davis’s $175.4 million contract, which some view as a liability due to his injury history and age (32), and acquire assets to build a younger, more sustainable roster around Flagg.
The Sporting News report suggests that such a move would signal a long-term commitment to Flagg as the cornerstone of the franchise. However, it’s a risky proposition. Davis, despite his injury concerns, remains one of the NBA’s elite big men, averaging dominant performances when healthy and serving as the Mavericks’ primary offensive engine in the 2024-25 season. Trading him could alienate fans still reeling from the Dončić deal and put immense pressure on Flagg, an 18-year-old rookie, to carry the franchise immediately.
Why This Strategy Could Work—or Backfire
Why It Could Work
Youth Movement: Flagg’s arrival offers Dallas a chance to reset with a young, high-upside star. Pairing him with draft picks and younger players like Bridges could create a sustainable core for the next decade.
Financial Flexibility: Moving Davis’s massive contract would give Dallas more cap space to address roster needs, especially with Kyrie Irving’s uncertain future due to his ACL injury and impending free agency decision.
Draft Capital: The proposed trade would net three first-round picks, providing ammunition for future trades or selections to complement Flagg.
Why It Could Backfire
Fan Backlash: Trading Dončić was already a PR disaster for Nico Harrison, with fans and sponsors turning on the organization. Trading Davis, the centerpiece of that deal, could further erode trust in the front office.
Loss of Star Power: Davis is a proven All-Star and one of the league’s best two-way players. Trading him for role players and picks risks weakening the team’s immediate competitiveness, especially with Irving sidelined.
Flagg’s Readiness: While Flagg is a phenomenal prospect, expecting him to lead a franchise as a rookie is a tall order. The Mavericks’ current roster, including Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Klay Thompson, is built for win-now contention, not a full rebuild.
The Bigger Picture: Nico Harrison’s High-Stakes Gamble
Nico Harrison’s tenure as Mavericks GM has been defined by bold, divisive decisions. The Dončić trade drew widespread criticism, with many arguing that Dallas failed to maximize their return by not shopping Dončić to other teams, such as the Chicago Bulls, who reportedly would have offered “anyone and everyone” on their roster. The subsequent lottery win and Flagg’s impending arrival have given Harrison a lifeline, but his next moves will determine whether he can redeem his reputation or further alienate the fanbase.
Some analysts, including Bailey, have even suggested that Dallas ownership, led by governor Patrick Dumont, might consider firing Harrison and trading Davis to fully embrace a Flagg-centered rebuild. Such a move would be a clear admission that the Dončić trade was a mistake, but it could also position the Mavericks for long-term success if Flagg lives up to his hype.
What’s Next for the Mavericks?
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas to see how they navigate this pivotal offseason. Will they stick with their current core of Davis, Irving (if he returns), and Flagg, aiming for immediate contention in the Western Conference? Or will they shock the NBA world again by trading Davis and doubling down on a youth movement led by Flagg?
The Sporting News report highlights the Mavericks’ willingness to explore all options, including blockbuster trades that could reshape the franchise. One thing is certain: with Nico Harrison at the helm, no move is too bold or too shocking. The NBA world is watching, and the Mavericks are poised to make headlines once again.