Mavericks Go All-In Beyond Cooper Flagg in 2025 NBA Draft
The Dallas Mavericks are turning heads this offseason by making clear they’re building not just around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, but around constructing a deeper, more versatile roster. While Flagg — a 6’9″ Duke standout averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists, and a consensus National Player of the Year — is poised to be the centerpiece, Dallas appears intent on pairing him with complementary talent .
According to NBA insider Rafael Barlowe, Dallas is “interested in trading into the first round for an additional pick” . This aggressive posture is motivated by a roster thin at guard, particularly with Kyrie Irving out until January. They’re eyeing prospects like BYU’s Egor Demin and NCAA playmaker Walter Clayton Jr. as early secondary targets .
Behind the scenes, general manager Nico Harrison is working the phones—potentially packaging expiring frontcourt contracts like Daniel Gafford or P.J. Washington to gain draft capital . Meanwhile, ESPN’s Shams Charania confirms Dallas also plans to pursue a plug-and-play point guard via trade or free agency to cover for Irving and add veteran playmaking .
Draft pundits largely view Cooper Flagg as Dallas’s secure No. 1 pick, with the team ready to “supercharge” his arrival. But the Mavs’ strategy reflects broader ambitions than just landing the top rookie—they’re aggressively building multiple pillars for the next championship window .
If all moves align, Dallas could emerge from the June 26 draft with not only the vaunted Flagg but an upgraded backcourt or secondary wing—one that both alleviates pressure off Flagg and accelerates the franchise’s competitive timeline.
