If the Milwaukee Bucks decide to put Giannis Antetokounmpo on the trade block, expect the Dallas Mavericks to be one of the first teams to pick up the phone. Because when a two-time MVP and NBA champion becomes even remotely available, the list of “untouchables” around the league suddenly gets a lot shorter.
Now, let’s rewind for a moment. Just over a year ago, Dallas made one of the most shocking moves in recent NBA memory, trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. There was no public friction between Luka and the Mavs, no slow-burn drama-just a stunning, out-of-nowhere blockbuster that left fans reeling and the franchise scrambling.
In the aftermath, the Mavericks turned to the draft and landed Cooper Flagg, a player many scouts had been circling as a generational prospect. Flagg’s blend of two-way ability, maturity, and upside has already made him the lone bright spot in a tough season for Dallas.
He’s not just good-he’s real. The kind of player who could be the face of a franchise for the next decade.
But now, with Giannis potentially on the market, the Mavericks find themselves staring at a familiar question: should they go all-in for a superstar?
Would Dallas Actually Trade Cooper Flagg?
That’s the million-dollar question. And maybe more like the $200 million one, depending on Giannis’ next contract.
The idea of including Flagg in a deal for Antetokounmpo is already starting to circulate in NBA circles, even if it’s more exploratory than imminent. Bobby Belt of 105.3 The Fan recently weighed in, saying, “I don't think it's just a slam dunk to say he's off-limits to any trade offer.” He’s not pushing for a trade-just acknowledging that when a player like Giannis is available, you at least have the conversation.
And that’s fair.
Giannis is still one of the most dominant forces in the league. His mix of size, athleticism, and skill has powered Milwaukee to the top of the East for years.
He’s a Finals MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year, and the kind of player who instantly changes the ceiling of any team he joins. If you’re a front office executive, you don’t ignore that kind of opportunity.
You evaluate it. Hard.
But there’s a flip side. Giannis isn’t 24 anymore.
He’s closer to the back half of his prime than the beginning, and he comes with a massive salary that would require Dallas to get creative just to make the math work. Flagg, on the other hand, is 19 years old, on a rookie-scale contract, and already showing flashes of brilliance.
Trading him for Giannis would be a title-or-bust kind of move. And with the Mavericks sitting at 19-28, it’s a long climb from where they are to where they’d need to be.
The Bigger Picture for Dallas
This isn’t just about Flagg or Giannis-it’s about the Mavericks’ identity and timeline. Are they trying to build something sustainable around a young core? Or are they trying to fast-track back into contention by acquiring a top-tier veteran?
Because make no mistake: if Dallas gets serious about Giannis, they won’t be alone. Every contender-and even some fringe playoff teams-would be lining up to make their pitch. And some of them have more assets, more cap flexibility, or more immediate upside to offer Milwaukee.
Still, Dallas has shown it’s not afraid to make bold moves. The Dončić trade proved that. And if the front office believes Giannis can open a five-year championship window, they may decide that’s worth the price-even if that price includes their prized rookie.
For now, there’s no indication a deal is close. But the fact that Flagg’s name is even being floated in these discussions tells you everything you need to know: Dallas is at a crossroads. And the next move could define the franchise for years to come.