Why the Mavericks Should Think Twice About a LaMelo Ball Trade
The Dallas Mavericks are in a tough spot early this season. Through 22 games, the record isn’t where they’d like it to be, and naturally, trade chatter is heating up.
One name that’s been floated around? Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball.
On paper, Ball’s playmaking ability is electric. He’s got the vision, the flair, and the kind of creativity that turns heads and fills highlight reels. But when you zoom out and look at the full picture - the fit, the cost, the long-term implications - it’s clear the Mavericks would be wise to steer clear.
LaMelo’s Talent Is Real, But So Are the Red Flags
There’s no denying Ball’s talent. He’s a gifted passer with elite court vision and the ability to make plays most guards wouldn’t even attempt.
That alone will always make him intriguing in trade talks. But the Mavericks need more than flash right now - they need foundational pieces who can grow alongside Cooper Flagg and help shape a winning culture in Dallas.
Ball’s time in Charlotte has been marked by inconsistency and, frankly, a lack of winning. The Hornets haven’t been able to turn the corner since drafting him, and while that’s not all on Ball, it raises questions. Add in his reputation for being ball-dominant and occasionally disengaged on defense, and it becomes harder to see how he fits into what Dallas is trying to build.
The Cooper Flagg Factor
Everything the Mavericks do from here on out needs to revolve around one central idea: maximizing Cooper Flagg. The rookie has shown real promise in his first NBA season.
He plays the right way - unselfish, team-first, and with a clear focus on winning. He makes the extra pass, he competes on both ends, and he’s already becoming a leader by example.
Bringing in a high-usage guard like Ball could disrupt that development. Ball likes to have the ball in his hands - a lot.
That’s not inherently a bad thing for a point guard, but it becomes a problem when it clashes with the identity your franchise cornerstone is building. Flagg needs space to grow, to make mistakes, to lead.
He doesn’t need to be overshadowed by a player who hasn’t proven he can lead a team to the postseason.
Let’s not forget: Ball is in his sixth NBA season and has yet to appear in a single playoff game. That’s a stat that matters when you're trying to build a contender.
Defensive Concerns and Shooting Woes
Beyond the fit with Flagg, there are real concerns about Ball’s all-around game. This season, he’s shooting below 38% from the field and under 29% from three. Those are tough numbers to swallow for a player who would likely need to be a top-two option on offense in Dallas.
And then there’s the defense. Ball has never been known as a stopper on that end, and at times, he can look downright disinterested. For a Mavericks team that’s already struggled to get stops, adding another defensive liability - especially one who plays such a critical position - could make things worse.
The Cost Doesn’t Match the Reward
Even if the Mavericks were willing to roll the dice on Ball’s upside, the price tag would be steep. Charlotte likely still sees him as a franchise player, which means any trade would involve multiple first-round picks and possibly a key player like Anthony Davis in a multi-team deal.
That’s a massive gamble for a player with durability concerns and a playing style that may not mesh with your future star. And with Dallas not holding its own first-round pick until 2031, mortgaging even more of the future for a questionable fit doesn’t make much sense.
Stay the Course
The Mavericks have already been active in trade discussions this season, and there’s no doubt they’ll continue to explore ways to improve the roster. But not every big name is the right move - and LaMelo Ball, for all his talent, just doesn’t align with what this team needs right now.
Cooper Flagg is the future in Dallas. The focus should be on surrounding him with players who complement his game, share his mindset, and help build a sustainable winning culture. That means targeting two-way players, high-IQ veterans, and rising stars who can grow with him - not ball-dominant guards with questionable defensive effort.
The Mavericks don’t need a quick fix. They need the right foundation. And that starts with making smart, measured decisions - not chasing the next flashy name on the market.