Even for someone used to wild comebacks and game-changing trades, Patrick Mahomes didn’t see this one coming.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback and lifelong Dallas Mavericks fan, was just as stunned as the rest of the NBA world when Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. But after the initial shock wore off, Mahomes found reason to believe again and it starts with the most hyped rookie in years.
Patrick Mahomes Breaks Silence on Luka Dončić Trade, Says Cooper Flagg Can Lead Mavericks Back to Title Contention
Losing Dončić wasn’t just a roster move; it was the end of an era in Dallas. The 26-year-old had become the heart of the Mavericks since arriving in 2018, and seeing him leave blindsided fans and even athletes in other leagues. Mahomes admitted he had to wake up his wife when he first saw the news, saying, “It took me a while” to process it. Mahomes was up for a while thinking about the trade.
But the Mavericks didn’t stay down for long. Winning the 2025 NBA Draft lottery gave them a shot at redemption and they took it by selecting Cooper Flagg first overall. For Mahomes, it was a complete 180.
“[It’s] exciting for me to win the draft lottery, a roller coaster of emotions, and getting Cooper Flagg now, it’s going to be an amazing team,” Mahomes told For the Win. “Get everybody back healthy, and we’ll have as good a chance as anybody at making a run at the title this next year.”
The optimism isn’t unfounded. Flagg was electric in the Summer League, dropping 31 points in just his second game before being pulled from further action, a clear sign the Mavs had seen enough.
Can Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks Contend for an NBA Title in 2025?
Mahomes might believe this team has what it takes, but health will be the key. Kyrie Irving is expected to miss a chunk of the season, possibly until February. Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II both underwent procedures during the offseason, and it’s unclear how soon either will be back to full speed.
Still, Flagg’s early flashes, combined with Mahomes’ confidence and a group of players working to return to full strength, make it hard to count Dallas out.
The Dončić trade may have rattled the franchise, but Mahomes sees what many Mavs fans are starting to believe: Dallas did lose a superstar, but they might’ve found their future.
