The Dallas Mavericks just won the first overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft last night, and now they have to decide what to do with it. Either they take generational prospect Cooper Flagg, or they move the pick in order to get someone that fits their “win now” mentality.
Former NBA guard-turned-analyst Jay Williams believes the latter option is the correct one. According to him, the Mavs should trade the pick for one of three superstars.
“For a guy like Cooper Flagg, I think he needs reps, I think he needs a lot of room to grow, I’m not sure championship aspirations [are] right away for him…But when I look at the value, could you potentially package something like this to get a Giannis [Antetokounmpo], could you package in a one-on-one trade to get Devin Booker, could you get a Tyrese Maxey? If your championship window is in 2-3 years, could you utilize that pick and some assets to get somebody who’s ready to contribute to you right now?” Williams stated.
All three superstars are tremendous players, but trading the rights to Cooper Flagg for Devin Booker or Tyrese Maxey is borderline insane. While Flagg may not contribute at the same level as those stars at the beginning, he still will contribute a decent amount. Plus, he gives the Mavs a future to build upon after this window closes.
The only trade that would make sense to give up Flagg is for Antetokounmpo. He’s a two-time MVP and a proven champion with a Finals MVP. He would back a stellar frontcourt with Anthony Davis, and whoever they decide to put at center.
Overall, the Mavs probably won’t give up Flagg. However, Mavs GM Nico Harrison is known to do the unthinkable, so it all comes down to Draft Night.
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