As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to, as many predict, select Duke star Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, there have been speculations about other options they could consider.
On a recent episode of the “Awful Announcing Podcast,” host Brandon Contes questioned ESPN analyst and former Duke player Jay Bilas. Would Dallas really consider trading Flagg’s draft rights for two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Cooper Flagg Or Giannis Antetokounmpo: Who Should the Mavericks Choose?
The idea of Dallas acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo can appeal to any team, not only the Mavericks. However, Dallas is a franchise that recently received significant criticism for trading one of their star players, Luka Dončić, so they don’t have much wiggle room for consideration after that controversial decision.
When asked about the possibility, ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jay Bilas dismissed the notion of trading Flagg’s pick. “Not me, it won’t interest me,” he said. “I can understand the appeal in a win-now situation. But with Cooper Flagg, you have win now and win in the future, and I don’t see the next decade-plus of trading away Cooper Flagg.”
Flagg, who was recently invited to the 2025 NBA Draft green room alongside 23 other prospects, including Rutgers’ Dylan Harper and Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, represents one of the best prospects for Dallas’ future.
His lone season at Duke showcased his versatility with averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. At only 18 years old, Flagg has the potential to be the face of Dallas for years to come.
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Dallas’ decision to hold firm on Flagg comes after a tumultuous season. The trade of Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis sparked significant backlash and season-ticket cancellations from the fanbase. The team’s elimination in the play-in tournament against Memphis showed the need for a new franchise cornerstone.
Flagg, who has already worked out with the team and is expected to be their selection, fits the requirements perfectly. His two-way ability in both scoring and defending makes him an ideal building block for a team looking to redefine its identity after the Dončić era.
Multiple reports have confirmed that the Mavericks have no intention of trading the No. 1 pick. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont considers the opportunity to draft Flagg a “gift,” and the organization plans to select him without entertaining trade offers for proven superstars.
As the 2025 NBA Draft begins Wednesday, June 25, at 8 p.m. ET, Flagg is set to become the Mavericks’ next franchise cornerstone. Bilas’ rejection of a hypothetical trade for Antetokounmpo reflects how much Dallas is betting on Flagg’s potential to compete with the league’s elite while offering more than a decade of stardom.
For a franchise seeking redemption after controversial decisions, keeping the No. 1 pick demonstrates their commitment to building around a generational talent rather than making another high-risk move that could further alienate their fan base.