Mavericks Go All-In on Cooper Flagg as the New Franchise Cornerstone
The Dallas Mavericks are making one thing abundantly clear as the trade deadline looms: this is Cooper Flagg’s team now.
Since the moment Dallas hit the jackpot in the NBA Draft Lottery, the front office has shifted its entire focus toward building a long-term contender around their 19-year-old phenom. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, every personnel move from here on out is being evaluated through the lens of maximizing Flagg’s potential. That’s not just a rebuild-it’s a full-on recalibration of the franchise’s identity.
And honestly, it’s the right time for it.
A New Era in Dallas
Flagg may only be a teenager, but he’s playing with the poise and presence of a seasoned vet. His impact on both ends of the floor has been undeniable, and in a season that could’ve spiraled into irrelevance, he’s been the one steadying force keeping Dallas competitive.
The Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis was a franchise-altering gamble, and one that hasn’t panned out. Davis hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and the idea of him as a long-term No. 1 option in Dallas quickly lost steam. That misstep could’ve set the team back years-but Flagg’s emergence has changed everything.
Now, instead of clinging to a flawed win-now window, the Mavs are wisely pivoting. They’re not trying to force a contender into existence around Davis. Instead, they’re building something sustainable around Flagg, and that’s a much more promising path.
Trade Deadline Signals: Sellers, Not Buyers
With the deadline just around the corner, all signs point to Dallas being sellers. Flagg and Kyrie Irving are reportedly the only untouchables on the roster, and that’s a pretty telling sign of where this team’s priorities lie.
Anthony Davis? On the block.
The Mavs have been exploring trade options for months. Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, D’Angelo Russell?
All reportedly in trade conversations. And frankly, none of them fit the Flagg timeline.
Gafford can’t stay on the floor. Thompson reportedly wants to chase another ring elsewhere.
And Russell? Jason Kidd has essentially taken him out of the rotation.
These are not the pieces you build around when your future is a 19-year-old with All-NBA potential.
Tuesday’s flurry of league-wide trades-James Harden to Cleveland, Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah-only adds fuel to the idea that Dallas could be active before the buzzer. Whether it’s flipping veterans for draft capital or taking fliers on young talent, the Mavs are in asset-accumulation mode.
The Naji Marshall Dilemma
One player who’s become a bit of a wild card in all this is Naji Marshall. He’s not just been a bright spot-he’s been a legit two-way contributor and one of Flagg’s most effective running mates this season. The chemistry between the two has been undeniable, even as injuries have ravaged the roster around them.
Dallas wants to keep him. Marshall wants to stay. But the NBA is a business, and if a contender comes knocking with a can’t-miss offer, the Mavericks will have a tough decision to make.
What happens with Marshall at the deadline could say a lot about how much Dallas values him as a long-term piece. Is he part of the Flagg core, or is he a trade chip that helps build that core out?
Embracing the Future
No matter how the next 24 hours shake out, the Mavericks have already made their biggest move: they’ve chosen a direction. They’re not chasing a title with a mismatched veteran core. They’re not hoping for health miracles or trying to squeeze one last run out of fading stars.
They’re building around Cooper Flagg. And that’s not just refreshing-it’s smart.
Expect Dallas to use this deadline to clear the decks, stockpile picks, and bring in players who can grow with Flagg. The old foundation wasn’t strong enough to support a title run. But with Flagg at the center and the right pieces around him, the Mavs might just be laying the groundwork for something special.