Mavericks Bet Big on Cooper Flagg, Move On From Luka Dončić in Bold Franchise Shift
The Dallas Mavericks just made one of the most seismic moves in recent NBA memory - trading away Luka Dončić, the face of their franchise and a generational talent, in a deal that’s already drawing sharp criticism across the league. And while the return package has left many scratching their heads, the Mavs are clearly betting their future on one name: Cooper Flagg.
On ESPN’s Get Up, Brian Windhorst didn’t hold back when assessing the trade, calling it “jaw-dropping” that Dallas would part ways with Dončić for what he described as a lackluster haul.
“This is really a basketball tragedy,” Windhorst said. “Yes, three first-round picks were involved, but let’s look closer.
One of those picks is the Thunder’s this year - likely to be No. 29 or 30. Another is a top-20 protected pick four years from now.
These aren’t franchise-altering assets. You don’t trade a player like Luka Dončić for that kind of return.”
It’s a brutal assessment, but one that captures the magnitude of what Dallas just did. Dončić wasn’t just a star - he was the kind of player teams spend decades hoping to draft.
Since arriving in Dallas, he’s been nothing short of electric: Rookie of the Year, five straight First Team All-NBA selections, and a perennial MVP candidate. His combination of vision, scoring, and clutch shot-making made him the cornerstone of the Mavericks' identity.
So why move on?
The answer lies in Cooper Flagg - the 19-year-old rookie phenom who’s already turning heads across the league. Windhorst, despite his criticism of the trade itself, acknowledged the upside.
“The Mavericks have one of the brightest futures in the league because of Cooper Flagg,” he said. “I’m not saying I can predict the future, but it’s very possible Flagg could end up being a better player and a better franchise leader than Luka. Maybe Luka wins multiple titles in LA and proves otherwise, but what Flagg brings - on both ends of the floor - is something we haven’t seen in a young player in 25 years.”
That’s high praise, and it’s not unwarranted. Flagg has already captured every Western Conference Rookie of the Month honor this season and is locked in a tight Rookie of the Year race with fellow Duke product Kon Knueppel. His two-way impact is undeniable - a rare blend of size, defensive instincts, and offensive polish that’s elevated Dallas even through a rocky stretch.
And let’s not overlook the strategic side of this move. Offloading Anthony Davis’ salary was a clear signal: the Mavericks are building around Flagg, not trying to patch together a win-now roster with aging stars. It’s a reset - one that gives Flagg the keys to the franchise and the space to grow without competing timelines.
Still, it’s going to take a monumental effort for Flagg to match what Dončić accomplished in his early years. Luka didn’t just put up numbers - he led, he inspired, and he made the Mavericks relevant on the national stage. That’s not an easy torch to carry.
Flagg gets his next chance to prove he’s ready for it when Dallas hosts the Spurs on Thursday night at American Airlines Center. The Mavs are looking to snap a five-game skid, and all eyes will be on the rookie to see if he can steady the ship.
The Dončić era in Dallas is officially over. The Flagg era? It’s just getting started.