The Dallas Mavericks somehow managed to win the first overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, despite finishing just one win shy of making the playoffs. Their regular season record left them tied with the Chicago Bulls, and a coin toss ultimately helped them secure the No. 1 pick—a turn of events that could dramatically reshape the future of the franchise.
The consensus top pick is expected to be Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who has lived up to the immense hype he received entering college. NBA veteran Chris Paul has been training with Flagg ahead of the draft and offered him high praise. Flagg has also spoken about his desire to face his childhood idol, LeBron James.
“Somebody that obviously [I wanna play against] I think [is] LeBron. I think that would just be cool to be able to play against him. Obviously, I think his time is kind of coming to an end soon in the next couple of years or whatever. So I think just being able to play against him would be kind of a surreal feeling and just knowing that what he’s been able to do for the game and being able to accomplish is just insane,” said Flagg to The Deep 3.
However, there’s growing speculation that the Mavericks could trade the No. 1 pick—potentially allowing Flagg to join a powerhouse roster featuring multiple NBA champions.
“Dallas Mavericks get: Devin Booker, 2025 first-rounder (No. 29), 2028 first-rounder (least favorable of own, Knicks and Wizards), 2029 first-round pick swap (least favorable of Cavs, Timberwolves and Jazz). Phoenix Suns get: 2025 No. 1 pick, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin,” ESPN wrote.
This blockbuster deal would instantly make the Suns a legitimate title contender, adding both Flagg and Klay Thompson to a lineup already anchored by Kevin Durant. For Flagg, it could mean competing for an NBA championship in just his rookie season.
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