Cooper Flagg Is a No-Brainer, Which Is Exactly Why Dallas Mavericks Might Screw It Up | Deadspin.com

Supposedly, the Dallas Mavericks have already achieved the whole thing however post their pick out to the commissioner.

On June 25, they have got been leaking to the arena, they’re going to spend the No. 1 variety within the 2025 NBA Draft on 18-year-old Cooper Flagg.

For instance, right here’s what Hoops HQ has attributed to resources throughout the Mavericks group: “We are 100 percent drafting Cooper Flagg. There will be no trades for our pick on draft night.”

Welp, wager that’s it.

Nothing to look right here.

No means the Mavericks gained’t pick out the reigning school participant of the yr, the 6-foot-7¾, 221-pound ahead who averaged 19.2 issues, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals consistent with recreation for the Final Four-qualifying Duke Blue Devils.

He can soar, he can shoot, he can shield, he has aptitude, he has no downside taking photographs within the grasp. There’s not anything to not like — no reason why to not draft him No. 1.

But that is the Mavericks we’re speaking about. If Mavs normal supervisor Nico Harrison has the stones to industry Luka Dončić, then he has no compunction about buying and selling the No. 1 pick out. More essential: It’s his process to determine whether or not the Mavs could be higher served by way of creating a deal.

And with 33-year-old Kyrie Irving and 32-year-old Anthony Davis being the Mavs’ splendid participant, how does it assist their possibilities to win an NBA identify by way of including any person who was once in preschool when Kyrie gained the NBA’s 2012 Rookie of the Year award?

Just in case Nico wishes any assist — and judging by way of the Dončić deal, he does — we’re going to suggest a couple of trades and play: Who Says No?

No. 1: Flagg for Nikola Jokić. Who says no?

Jokić has gained 3 of the NBA’s ultimate 4 MVP awards — and he’s one of the crucial 3 finalists for this yr’s award. While he’s 30 years previous, which suggests he’s nearing the tip of his top, he simply set occupation highs for scoring (29.6 ppg), assists (10.2 apg), 3-pointers (138), 3-point accuracy (41.7%) and steals (1.8 spg), and loved his second-best rebounding season (12.7 rpg).

If the Mavs got Jokić and matched him with Davis and Irving, they might in an instant grow to be the identify favorites subsequent yr. But the Nuggets have to mention no. It slams their window close.

No. 2: Flagg for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Who says no?

The Greek Freak is simplest 75 days older than Jokić, and he’s one of the crucial MVP finalists, too, because of this he’s assured to complete within the best 4 for MVP for the 7th directly season. He’s improbable, and the Bucks wish to give you the option to begin over as a result of they’re too previous and too dear.

But Giannis isn’t an equivalent to Jokić by any means. Among different issues, his frame appears to be breaking down extra impulsively than Jokić’s. He additionally shot 22.2% from 3, so he’s poor in one of the essential sides of the sport. The Mavs say no to this one.

No. 3: Young guys available in the market with a better ceiling than Flagg?

The Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama? Oh, the Spurs say no — until they are able to’t prevent giggling lengthy sufficient to spit out the succinct syllable. The Celtics’ Jayson Tatum? Before he ruined his Achilles tendon, it might had been price a authentic dialogue as a result of he’d have compatibility that Mavs lineup completely.

Anthony Edwards, who’s an insignificant 23 years previous? That could be an enchanting industry, however the Timberwolves say no. They’re too invested in him and he’s growing into the brand new face of the NBA. Detroit level guard Cade Cunningham, who’s additionally 23? That’s price a dialogue.

No. 4: Flagg for SGA. Who says no?

Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joins Jokić and Giannis because the finalists for MVP. He led the league in scoring (32.7 ppg) and win stocks (16.7) this season because the Thunder posted the NBA’s splendid report. He turns out like he will get each and every name from the officers, which is a smart factor to have in your aspect. He turns 27 in July, so he’s primed for a number of extra prime-time seasons.

There is actually no reason why for the Thunder to mention sure. They’re teeming with younger skill already and don’t wish to reset their window. So we’re mentioning the Thunder could be a difficult no. That’s most likely an enormous #duh commentary, proper? So, let’s ask a derivative query.

If Nico Harrison by some means pulled off a Flagg-for-SGA change, would he be again in Mavs enthusiasts’ just right graces? Or is there no such factor as getting back from the Dončić deal?

Considering Dončić belonged to Mavs enthusiasts, there’s most likely no likelihood right here for Nico to be forgiven. Unless he additionally requested for (and were given) Chet Holmgren. And Jalen Williams.

And integrated himself within the change in trade for Thunder GM Sam Presti.