5 Dallas Mavericks Trade Targets to Salvage Cooper Flagg's Rookie NBA Season
Early November losses usually don’t trigger panic, but falling to the 2025-26 New Orleans Pelicans is a clear warning for the Dallas Mavericks. To enhance Cooper Flagg's rookie year beyond mere moral victories, the Mavericks must execute a trade focused on boosting their offense.
Currently, the Mavericks rank 30th in points scored per possession and 28th in effective field-goal percentage, lacking internal solutions. D'Angelo Russell is not the answer, and using Flagg as a point guard is an interesting experiment but unfair to burden him with full playmaking duties so early. The team is minus-61 this season when Flagg plays without a point guard, with an offensively painful rating.
Waiting on Kyrie Irving’s return from his ACL injury is unrealistic since his comeback timeline remains uncertain and there is no margin for error in the Western Conference.
Potential Trade Targets
Here are five realistic yet ambitious targets the Mavericks should consider, lending support to general manager Nico Harrison's efforts:
- Tyler Herro has yet to play this season due to left ankle surgery. Amid Norman Powell’s strong performance, Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s increased on-ball role, and Kasparas Jakučionis’ recent selection, the Miami Heat’s decision not to extend Herro in October makes the 25-year-old All-Star potentially more attainable than previously thought.
“The Dallas Mavericks clearly need to make a trade if they want Cooper Flagg's rookie season to feature more than hollow-hearted moral victories.”
Trade moves should prioritize upgrading the Mavericks’ offensive efficiency and relieve Flagg from excessive playmaking pressure, allowing his talent to develop properly.
Waiting indefinitely on uncertain returns or relying on current roster limitations will hinder the team's growth this season.
Author’s summary: The Mavericks must pursue impactful trades to improve their offense and support rookie Cooper Flagg for a successful season, as current options and injury timelines offer little hope.