The Dallas Mavericks lucked out by landing Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Mavericks would be in a significantly worse place right now without him in the mix after dealing Luka Dončić at last year’s trade deadline. Despite having a record of 5-14, there is a ton of hope for the future because Flagg is widely regarded as an All-NBA-level talent.
Dallas’ current roster does not fit the timeline of Flagg at all, as when healthy, Kyrie Irving (age 33), Anthony Davis (age 32), and Klay Thompson (age 35) are some of the best in the rotation. In an effort to begin building around the former Duke Blue Devil, the Mavericks could make a blockbuster trade involving one of the veteran superstars.
Mavericks Predicted To Trade Away Anthony Davis
The Chicago Bulls are performing much better than most anticipated this season. Chicago has a record of 9-8, as guard Josh Giddey is having a breakout season with averages of 20.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists.
If the Bulls’ front office has heavy confidence in their present core, a trade to vault them among contenders in the Eastern Conference could be in store. Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes predicts Chicago could trade for Davis, sending Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, a 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected), and a 2029 first-round swap to the Mavericks.
“If Davis is healthy*, he would give the fast-paced Bulls a lob threat and defensive anchor they don’t currently possess,” Hughes wrote. “All while theoretically making life easier for younger cornerstones Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis by providing back-line support and interior offensive punch.”
Davis has appeared in just five games for the Mavericks this season, averaging 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds on 52% shooting. It’s obvious he is still one of the league’s best two-way players when available, but that’s a big risk for the Bulls to take. Not to mention, he has two guaranteed seasons left on his three-year, $175 million contract before having a player option for the 2027-2028 campaign.
Hughes went on to explain why Dallas would agree to this deal, writing, “Start with the philosophical reason: Dallas needs to turn the page and prioritize a future built around Flagg, Dereck Lively II and optionality. With [Nico] Harrison gone, the Mavericks can view their situation with clearer eyes and without the concept of being pot committed to Davis.”
Flagg needs to be the priority in Dallas, but it’s tough to imagine the Bulls risking so much for the injury-riddled Davis.
