NBA Trade Rumors: Could Chris Paul Join Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks?
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Dallas Mavericks are once again in the rumor mill-this time linked to a name that needs no introduction: Chris Paul.
Yes, that Chris Paul. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer, who’s had stops in just about every NBA city with a basketball hoop, could be eyeing Dallas as his next destination. According to reports, the Mavericks are being floated as a potential landing spot for Paul if the Los Angeles Clippers decide to part ways with him-likely via a buyout scenario after the deadline.
Let’s unpack this.
The Chris Paul Situation
Paul’s second stint in Los Angeles hasn’t exactly gone according to plan. After signing a one-year deal with the Clippers, reports suggest he’s clashed with head coach Tyronn Lue and others in the locker room. The veteran point guard, known for his intensity and leadership, has never been one to shy away from confrontation-sometimes to the benefit of his team, and sometimes not so much.
Now, with the Clippers reportedly struggling to find a trade partner, the idea of a post-deadline buyout is gaining traction. And that’s where Dallas enters the picture.
Why Dallas?
There are a few dots to connect here. Paul worked out with Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg during the offseason.
They share the same agency, and by all accounts, Flagg is a fan of the 12-time All-Star. That kind of relationship matters in today’s NBA, where player-agent ties often pave the way for roster moves.
But the bigger question is: Would this move make sense for the Mavericks?
The Flagg Factor
Make no mistake-Cooper Flagg is the centerpiece of everything the Mavericks are building. The 19-year-old is in the middle of a historic stretch, putting up numbers we’ve never seen from a teenager.
On Tuesday night, he dropped 36 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in a hard-fought 110-100 loss to the Celtics. That performance marked his third straight 30-point game, making him the first teenager in league history to accomplish that feat.
So the idea of bringing in Paul isn’t just about veteran depth-it’s about mentorship. Could CP3 help guide Flagg through the early stages of his career, both on and off the court? That’s certainly part of the appeal.
Paul has long been praised for his basketball IQ and his ability to elevate younger players. If he’s willing to embrace a mentorship role-and that’s a big “if”-there’s a case to be made that his presence could accelerate Flagg’s development.
But What About the Ball?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Paul is a point guard in every sense of the word.
He needs the ball in his hands to be effective, and that could potentially clash with the Mavs’ current approach to Flagg’s development. Head coach Jason Kidd has clearly made it a priority to let Flagg handle the ball, make decisions, and learn through experience.
Would adding Paul take away from that? Or could it actually enhance it, giving Flagg a masterclass in floor generalship from one of the best to ever do it?
That’s a delicate balance Dallas would have to navigate.
The Bigger Picture: Competing vs. Building
Then there’s the elephant in the room: the Mavericks’ record. At 19-31, Dallas is firmly in the lottery mix.
They’re not out of the play-in race, but they’re certainly not a lock either. So the question becomes-do you add a veteran like Paul to try and win a few more games?
Or do you lean into the youth movement and let the season play out, bumps and all?
Some fans might call it “organic tanking.” The idea being: let the kids play, learn from their mistakes, and maybe land a top pick in the upcoming draft. Adding Paul could help stabilize the team and maybe even push them closer to .500-but is that the best long-term move?
Final Thoughts
The connection between Paul and Flagg-both personal and professional-makes this rumor more than just smoke. There’s a real possibility here, especially if the Clippers decide to cut ties with Paul after the deadline.
For Dallas, the decision comes down to timing and trajectory. Is this the moment to bring in a veteran voice to help shape your franchise cornerstone? Or is it better to let Flagg continue to lead, learn, and grow without another ball-dominant presence in the mix?
Either way, the Mavericks are walking a fine line between development and competitiveness. And with the trade deadline looming, that line is about to get a whole lot more interesting.