As the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. The team has a generational talent in Cooper Flagg - a rising star who’s proving he’s not just the future of the franchise, but its present. But with limited assets, aging veterans, and a front office still reeling from the aftermath of the Nico Harrison era, the Mavericks need to act - and act decisively - if they want to maximize the window they have with Flagg.
This isn’t about tinkering around the edges. It’s about laying the foundation for a sustainable contender built around a player who just dropped 49 points on the Hornets and made it look routine. That kind of performance doesn’t just happen - it demands a front office that’s ready to build something real around it.
Step One: Get Serious About the GM Search
Let’s start at the top. After parting ways with Nico Harrison, the Mavericks are currently operating with a co-interim GM setup - Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi are holding things down for now. That arrangement is expected to last through the spring, giving the organization time to explore experienced candidates, particularly those currently under contract elsewhere.
It’s no secret that the Mavericks’ 2024 Finals run was widely credited to the influence of Dennis Lindsey, who served as an advisor during Harrison’s tenure. With Lindsey now in Detroit, Dallas has a chance to either bring him back or find someone with a similar pedigree - someone who knows how to build a roster and manage assets in today’s NBA.
When the Adelson family took control of the franchise, there was talk of a commitment to investing in success. That commitment now faces its biggest test.
Patrick Dumont and the rest of the Mavericks’ leadership need to find the right executive - not just someone to clean up the mess, but someone with the vision to build around Flagg the right way. This hire could be the difference between building a contender and spinning in circles.
Davis, Flagg, and Irving: A Core That Just Doesn’t Fit
On paper, a trio of Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, and Kyrie Irving might sound intriguing. In reality, it’s a concept that’s never truly materialized - and likely never will.
Davis has been unable to stay on the floor, suiting up for just 20 games this season. His injury history in Dallas has become a pattern, not an anomaly.
Meanwhile, Irving is nearing 33 and working his way back from an ACL tear that kept him out for the better part of a year. Even if he returns soon, there’s no guarantee he’ll resemble the All-Star version of himself from last season.
Reports indicate Dumont wants to see this trio in action before making any big decisions. But waiting for a perfect storm of health and chemistry is a gamble - and one that could cost Flagg valuable development time. Every game spent trying to make this flawed core work is a game not spent building a team that actually complements Flagg’s skill set.
At this point, Davis is likely staying through the offseason - not because he’s indispensable, but because his contract and availability make him a tough sell on the trade market. If teams like the Hawks or Raptors are still open to discussions, Dallas needs to listen. It’s time to move past the idea of this trio and start thinking seriously about what kind of roster gives Flagg the best chance to thrive.
Start Rebuilding the Asset Chest
The Mavericks went all-in during the Luka Doncic era - and it cost them. After the 2026 Draft, they don’t control another first-round pick of their own until 2031. That’s a brutal position to be in when you’re trying to build around a young star.
The good news? There’s still time to start digging out.
Veterans like Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson have generated interest around the league, and Dallas should be aggressive in seeking first-round picks in return. Settling for second-rounders or low-upside packages would be a mistake.
This is where smart front offices make their money. Call teams like the Thunder, Spurs, and Hornets - all of whom have draft capital to spare - and see if there’s a way to recoup some of what’s been lost. The new CBA emphasizes building through the draft, and teams like Oklahoma City have shown what’s possible when you get it right.
Dallas didn’t always hit the mark when drafting around Doncic. They can’t afford to make the same mistakes with Flagg.
The Clock Is Ticking
Cooper Flagg isn’t just showing flashes - he’s putting together full-blown highlight reels. His 49-point explosion against Charlotte wasn’t just a career night; it was a statement.
He’s ready. The question is whether the Mavericks are ready to meet him at his level.
This isn’t about a slow rebuild. It’s about realignment - a shift in focus from chasing short-term fixes to building a long-term foundation around one of the league’s most exciting young players.
The time to act isn’t tomorrow. It’s now.