With the NBA trade deadline just days away, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. The focus?
Building around Cooper Flagg, the rising star they believe can be the centerpiece of a championship-contending future. But to do that, they’ll need to make some tough decisions-starting with three veterans who no longer fit the long-term vision: Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and D’Angelo Russell.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas is actively exploring trade possibilities involving all three players. And while the front office remains open to fielding offers for Anthony Davis, there’s no urgency there.
The Mavs are comfortable keeping Davis beyond the deadline, especially since he’s reportedly willing to stay in Dallas through the offseason. But when it comes to Gafford, Thompson, and Russell, the tone is different-and the clock is ticking.
The Flagg Era Is Coming-And the Roster Needs to Reflect That
Dallas is clearly shifting its focus toward the future, and that future is Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old phenom has the kind of two-way potential that front offices dream about building around.
But to do that effectively, the Mavericks need to clear both financial and rotational space. With the second tax apron looming this summer, the urgency to shed salary and collect draft capital is very real.
That’s where Gafford, Thompson, and Russell come in. All three are veterans with varying degrees of value on the trade market, but none of them project as long-term fits next to Flagg. Davis’ recent hand injury has only complicated matters, making it even more important for Dallas to recalibrate and position itself for a smoother transition into the Flagg-led era.
Klay Thompson: Still Productive, But Misaligned with the Timeline
Let’s start with Klay Thompson. Since arriving in Dallas in the summer of 2024, Thompson has been a steady presence-flashing the kind of shooting and spacing that still makes him a valuable piece on the right roster. But that’s just it: the right roster probably isn’t this one.
Thompson turns 36 in less than a week, and he’s made it clear he wants to compete for championships now. With the Mavericks potentially shutting down both Davis and Kyrie Irving for the remainder of the season, Dallas doesn’t look like a team on the brink of a deep playoff run. Moving Thompson to a contender would be a win-win-giving him a shot at another ring while allowing the Mavs to bring in expiring contracts or picks that better align with their rebuild.
Daniel Gafford: Trade Chip from the Start?
Gafford’s situation has felt like a trade waiting to happen since he signed a three-year extension this past offseason. That deal narrowly avoided triggering a six-month trade restriction, which means he’s been eligible to be moved all season-and now may be the time.
His production has dipped this year, and while recurring ankle issues might explain some of the regression, the Mavericks don’t appear willing to wait and see if he bounces back. There’s a real concern that what once looked like a team-friendly contract could soon become a liability. By acting now, Dallas can try to flip Gafford while he still holds value-especially with multiple teams in the market for frontcourt help.
And make no mistake, big men like Gafford don’t stay on the board long at the deadline. His rim protection and vertical spacing could be exactly what a playoff-bound team needs off the bench.
D’Angelo Russell: The Toughest Sell
Of the three, Russell presents the biggest challenge. He’s played in just one game since December 27-a January 10 matchup against the Bulls, and even then, it took a Jason Kidd ejection for him to see the floor. That tells you everything you need to know about where he stands in the rotation.
Russell has clearly fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, and he’s not even getting minutes in blowouts. That lack of playing time isn’t helping his trade value, especially with a player option looming for next season. Teams looking for guard depth want to see that a player can still contribute, and right now, Russell isn’t getting the chance to prove that.
The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly shown some interest, but it’s unlikely Dallas could make a deal without attaching sweeteners-likely in the form of second-round picks-to offload his salary.
What’s Next?
The Mavericks have flexibility. Outside of Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and P.J.
Washington, nearly everyone on the roster is on the table. They’d prefer to keep Max Christie and Naji Marshall, but if the right offer comes along, even that could change.
But the priority is clear: move Gafford, Thompson, and Russell. Whether it’s for draft capital, cap relief, or younger pieces that fit Flagg’s timeline, Dallas needs to make moves that reflect where this franchise is headed-not where it’s been.
With just days to go before the deadline, the Mavericks are on the clock. The decisions they make now could shape the next era of basketball in Dallas-and Cooper Flagg’s future as the face of the franchise.