About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, hosts Niko and Stella analyze the Dallas Mavericks' strategy surrounding their coveted No.1 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft — Duke forward Cooper Flagg. They explore multiple hypothetical blockbuster trade scenarios proposed by ESPN insiders involving teams like San Antonio Spurs aiming for Victor Wembanyama pairing; Cleveland Cavaliers looking at forming new star trios; Phoenix Suns contemplating rebuilding around young talent; plus salary cap implications shaping decisions behind-the-scenes. The discussion highlights why despite enticing offers featuring established superstars such as Donovan Mitchell or Devin Booker, Mavericks management plans firmly on selecting Flagg themselves due to financial prudence and long-term roster building considerations.
Article Discussed: "Potential trade offers for top 2025 draft pick Cooper Flagg"
Author: NBA Insiders
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Today, we're diving deep into the Dallas Mavericks' plans for the 2025 NBA draft, specifically focusing on their top pick, Duke forward Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks have made it clear they intend to select Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick and aren't entertaining trades for proven superstars. But what if a tempting offer came along? That's what we're exploring today.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. With the draft just weeks away on June 25th, the Mavericks are in a fascinating position. They've got a roster that's seen some big moves recently, including acquiring Anthony Davis and having Kyrie Irving recovering from an ACL injury. So, adding a top prospect like Flagg could really shape their future. But as you said, there are whispers about potential trade offers that might make them pause before saying no.
Niko: Right. To set the stage: Dallas won the lottery and secured that No. 1 pick after already being seen as Western Conference contenders if healthy. They have 13 players under contract, including Davis and Irving—though Irving's out for a while due to surgery. Financially, they're $17 million over the luxury tax apron but hold multiple first-round picks in upcoming years and some key players like Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington on contracts ranging from $2 million to $16 million.
Stella: And it's interesting because while they have this win-now vibe with Davis's three-year contract and Irving's presence, Cooper Flagg represents a long-term asset on a four-year rookie deal that's relatively affordable compared to veteran salaries. ESPN insiders like Bobby Marks emphasize that first-round picks don't change teams after their initial contracts expire, meaning Dallas could keep Flagg for up to nine years if they wanted.
Niko: Exactly! Now let's talk about some of those hypothetical trade offers our insiders brainstormed. First up: San Antonio Spurs trying to move up from No. 2 to No. 1 to grab Flagg and pair him with Victor Wembanyama—the so-called Tim Duncan-David Robinson duo of this generation. The Spurs would send Dallas the No. 2 and No. 14 picks in 2025 plus a future first-rounder in 2027 and swap rights on a 2030 pick.
Stella: That deal is fascinating because it mirrors past blockbuster draft swaps like when Orlando traded for Chris Webber back in '93 by giving up multiple future picks for a top prospect coming off an impressive college career—similar to Flagg now. For Dallas, moving down one spot but gaining extra draft assets could help replenish their sparse draft capital while still landing a promising player at No. 2.
Niko: Then there's the wild four-team trade involving Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and Dallas Mavericks centered around Donovan Mitchell going to Dallas in exchange for the No.1 pick going to Cleveland along with several role players moving around teams like Jarrett Allen heading to LA and others shuffled accordingly.
Stella: Yeah, it's quite complex but intriguing strategically: Cleveland would build a young star trio of Flagg alongside Evan Mobley and Darius Garland; Dallas gets Mitchell who fits better than Giannis Antetokounmpo given their frontcourt depth; Lakers get Allen as their rim protector; Bulls take on some contracts and second-round picks to balance salaries under luxury tax rules.
Niko: Another offer involves Phoenix Suns trading Devin Booker plus multiple first-rounders for Cooper Flagg along with Klay Thompson, P.J Washington, Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin going back to Phoenix from Dallas' side of things — basically flipping future potential for immediate star power since Booker is at his prime age of 28.
Stella: The Suns seem ready for a rebuild given salary cap issues and recent unsuccessful attempts at contending with three pure scorers but lacking supporting cast depth—which they hope flipping Booker or even Kevin Durant could address later this offseason too. Getting Flagg as their franchise cornerstone would be huge value if they go through with such moves.
Niko: "So what's Dallas thinking about all this? Despite these tempting offers involving proven stars or multiple assets," insiders confirmed that Mavericks GM Nico Harrison plans firmly on selecting Cooper Flagg himself without entertaining trades away from that top pick." It's smart considering salary cap implications — swapping out rookie pay for veterans making over $50 million wouldn't make financial sense right now."
Stella: "Plus," as Bobby Marks points out,"the ability to keep Flagg under contract potentially up to nine years gives Dallas both short-term competitiveness alongside Davis and Irving plus long-term flexibility." Their aggressive trade history shows they're open-minded but this time sticking with youth seems prudent given roster construction challenges."
Niko: "To wrap it up," there’s also an offer hard to pass on involving moving down one slot from No.1 to No.2 with San Antonio while gaining additional first-round picks including unprotected ones from Atlanta (2027) and Los Angeles Lakers (2029). That positions them well if big stars like Giannis or Durant become available later.
Stella: "In summary," the Mavericks face an exciting yet complex decision balancing immediate contention hopes versus building sustainable success through youth development via Cooper Flagg or leveraging assets in blockbuster trades involving stars like Donovan Mitchell or Devin Booker—all within strict salary cap constraints outlined by ESPN insiders Bobby Marks, Zach Kram, Kevin Pelton, and Andre Snellings.
Niko: "This episode highlighted how strategic front office decisions intertwine talent evaluation with financial realities—showing why despite tempting offers," sticking with Cooper Flagg may be the smartest move long term for Dallas' championship aspirations." Thanks for tuning into Podcasty NBA!
Stella: "Absolutely! We’ll keep watching how these storylines develop leading up to June’s draft night — until then stay curious about all things basketball here at Podcasty NBA! See you next time!"
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