The Dallas Mavericks just made a major shakeup-and it’s one that continues a very specific theme in Big D: Duke Blue Devils everywhere.
Less than a year after selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Mavericks are doubling down on their Duke connection. Flagg, the rookie phenom, joined a team that already featured Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II-both former Blue Devils. Now, with their latest trade, Dallas is adding yet another member of the Brotherhood.
On Tuesday, the Mavericks pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal, sending 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, along with guards Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum, to the Washington Wizards. In return, Dallas receives Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, and a haul of draft capital-two first-round picks and three second-rounders.
Let’s unpack this.
Marvin Bagley III: Another Duke Alum in Dallas
Bagley, who played one season at Duke (2017-18), now joins a Mavericks squad that’s starting to resemble a Durham reunion tour. While his NBA career hasn’t quite lived up to the hype that surrounded him as a top pick, Bagley brings size, athleticism, and a scoring touch around the rim that could help fill some of the void left by Davis’ departure.
And for a team that’s been struggling to find consistency-especially on the defensive end-Bagley’s presence offers a new wrinkle. He may not be the anchor Davis was supposed to be, but his energy and rebounding could be a welcome addition to a team that needs a jolt.
The Cooper Flagg Show Rolls On
Through 50 games, Flagg has been nothing short of electric. The rookie is averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and nearly a block per game.
And those numbers don’t even begin to capture how impactful he’s been on the floor. Whether it’s his shot-making, his defensive instincts, or his ability to rise to the moment, Flagg has looked every bit like the franchise cornerstone Dallas hoped he’d be.
The problem? Wins haven’t followed.
Despite Flagg’s brilliance, the Mavs sit at 19-31-a disappointing mark for a team that came into the season with playoff aspirations. Even with Kyrie Irving’s veteran leadership and Flagg’s nightly heroics, the chemistry just hasn’t clicked.
What This Trade Means for Dallas
Trading away Anthony Davis is a bold move. He was brought in to be the defensive anchor and second star next to Flagg, but injuries and inconsistency made that vision tough to realize. Now, Dallas pivots-bringing in Khris Middleton, a proven scorer and playoff-tested wing, and a mix of young talent and draft picks to reshape the roster.
Middleton’s fit alongside Flagg and Irving will be something to watch. He’s a three-level scorer who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. That could open up the floor for Flagg to continue operating as the team’s primary playmaker, while giving Irving another reliable option to play off of.
Malaki Branham and AJ Johnson bring youth and upside, while the draft picks give Dallas some flexibility moving forward-whether to build through the draft or package them in another deal down the line.
A New Chapter, Same Duke DNA
There’s no denying it now: the Mavericks are leaning into the Duke identity. With Flagg, Irving, Lively, and now Bagley, the roster is loaded with former Blue Devils who bring a mix of high IQ, skill, and pedigree. Whether that translates into wins remains to be seen, but it’s clear Dallas is building around a core that shares a common basketball language-and that could matter as the team tries to find its rhythm in the second half of the season.
At 19-31, the road ahead won’t be easy. But if Flagg keeps playing like a future superstar, and the new pieces mesh the way the front office hopes, there’s still time for the Mavericks to turn this season around.
Another Blue Devil in the mix might just be the spark they need.