Mavericks Prepare to Draft Cooper Flagg, Trade Talks Loom

Dallas, TX – With the NBA Draft less than a month away, the Dallas Mavericks are poised to select Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick on June 25. This decision comes after a surprising jump in the draft lottery that saw the Mavericks land the coveted top spot, despite only having a 1.8% chance.

General manager Nico Harrison has made it clear that the team will not trade the pick for a proven superstar, despite circulating concerns about Kyrie Irving‘s future with the franchise. Flagg, an 18-year-old forward from Duke, has been heralded as the top prospect for over a year. His addition could significantly bolster a Mavericks roster that already has star players like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

The Mavericks currently have 13 players under contract from last season, and while Irving’s potential to opt out raises questions, Flagg’s four-year rookie contract offers financial flexibility compared to extending a high-salary veteran. “We plan to select Flagg; we’re not entertaining trade offers,” stated a team insider.

Prior to the draft, speculation around trades has sparked interest in pairing Flagg with a proven star, such as Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo or Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell. However, sources confirmed that Dallas aims to build around Flagg and the existing core, recognizing his high upside as an impactful defender and versatile player.

Additionally, the Mavericks are exploring ways to secure an additional pick to also draft Flagg’s Duke teammate, Tyrese Proctor, who is also seen as a valuable asset. Proctor has shown promise and could fit well into Dallas’s plans, aiming to fill the temporary void left by Irving, who may sit out for an extended period.

Flagg’s decision to sign with CAA Basketball could lead the Mavericks to actively pursue Proctor. As the draft approaches, discussions about potential trades continue, with some rumors connecting Dallas to various teams, though none appear concrete. The excitement surrounding Flagg and the possible return of former Duke teammates might energize Mavericks fans as they prepare for a significant draft.