As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. They’ve got their franchise cornerstone in Cooper Flagg - a generational talent who’s already showing flashes of greatness - but now comes the hard part: building the right team around him.
And one intriguing possibility? A three-team deal that could land them Jaden Ivey.
Let’s break it down:
Proposed Three-Team Trade
- Mavericks receive: Jaden Ivey
- Pistons receive: Lu Dort
- Thunder receive: Daniel Gafford and a second-round pick (via Detroit)
At first glance, this might not seem like a blockbuster, but there’s a lot of upside for all three teams - especially Dallas.
Why the Mavericks Should Be All-In on Ivey
Things haven’t exactly clicked for the Mavs this season. Even with Anthony Davis back in the lineup and Dereck Lively II continuing to impress in the frontcourt, they’re still searching for consistency.
But the long-term vision is clear: surround Flagg with athleticism, youth, and upside. Jaden Ivey checks all those boxes.
Yes, Ivey’s had a rocky start to his career. Injuries have slowed him down, and this season, he’s struggled to carve out a consistent role in Detroit’s crowded backcourt.
His efficiency has dipped, and his rhythm just hasn’t been there. But let’s not forget - this is still the same player who went fifth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft for a reason.
At just 23 years old, Ivey still has the burst, the handle, and the scoring instincts that made scouts rave about his potential coming out of Purdue. He’s explosive in the open floor and has the tools to be a dynamic two-way guard if developed properly. And in Dallas, he wouldn’t need to be the guy - he’d just need to complement Flagg.
The Mavericks, with Davis, Lively, and PJ Washington already in the frontcourt, could afford to move off Daniel Gafford to take a swing on Ivey. It’s the kind of calculated risk that could pay off in a big way if Ivey finds his stride in a new environment.
Pistons Get Defense and Fit in Lu Dort
For Detroit, this deal is all about fit and identity. Lu Dort brings a defensive edge that would pair beautifully with Cade Cunningham in the backcourt. Dort’s a proven on-ball defender who can take on the toughest perimeter assignments - exactly the kind of player who elevates a young team trying to make a leap in the Eastern Conference.
Cunningham has shown he can carry the offensive load, but he needs someone next to him who can take pressure off on the other end. Dort fills that role perfectly. He brings playoff experience, toughness, and a no-nonsense approach that could help stabilize Detroit’s rotation as they push for relevance in a wide-open East.
Thunder Make a Smart Cap Move
For Oklahoma City, this is a forward-thinking move with financial implications. The Thunder are staring down the second-apron tax line, and something’s got to give. Trading Dort - a valuable piece, but one who may be expendable given their depth - for Daniel Gafford helps them address two needs at once.
First, Gafford gives them a rim-running big who can protect the paint and finish lobs - a nice complement to Chet Holmgren. Second, it gives them the flexibility to decline Isaiah Hartenstein’s team option in the offseason, helping them avoid the second apron and maintain cap health.
The Thunder have enough perimeter depth with Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace to absorb Dort’s minutes. This move isn’t about talent downgrade - it’s about roster balance and long-term planning.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of trade that doesn’t make headlines - but it should. It’s a rare scenario where all three teams get something they need:
- Dallas gets a high-upside guard to grow with Flagg.
- Detroit gets a defensive stopper who fits their timeline.
- OKC gets a solid center and cap flexibility.
If this deal hits the table, the Mavericks would be wise to lean in. Ivey’s ceiling is still sky-high, and in the right system - with the right running mate - he might just take off.