2025 draft thread: THE MAVS SELECT COOPER FLAGG

[david75090]

Trade Nico Harrison ASAP

I'd gladly accept some team's bag-of-beans in return.

[meistermatze]

Alright guys, let me ask you the obvious question:

What are the chances, that Cooper Flagg might not declare for this year's draft at all? I heard theories that he might stay at Duke and dominate with tbe Boozer kids. It also makes sense because Cooper is still so young.

Sorry for thinking negatively, but we have been burned before so... could it be the right decision after all, to trade the pick for Giannis? Just to be safe?

Also: I am the least conspiracy-prone person on the planet, but it is very hard, not to believe this one. If this was the plan all along it would just explain everything. Even Nico's "defense wins championships BS". With Cooper, Davis and Lively aou already have a historically great defense right there.

[david75090]

Alright guys, let me ask you the obvious question:

What are the chances, that Cooper Flagg might not declare for this year's draft at all? I heard theories that he might stay at Duke and dominate with tbe Boozer kids. It also makes sense because Cooper is still so young.

Sorry for thinking negatively, but we have been burned before so... could it be the right decision after all, to trade the pick for Giannis? Just to be safe?

Also: I am the least conspiracy-prone person on the planet, but it is very hard, not to believe this one. If this was the plan all along it would just explain everything. Even Nico's "defense wins championships BS". With Cooper, Davis and Lively aou already have a historically great defense right there.

He declared for the draft. He was there in the room watching the lottery.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

I think once you declare for the draft, you have a window or deadline where you can decline and stay in school. I haven't heard if Flagg has that option. Pretty sure its a done deal now.

[SleepingHero]

[ThisIStheYear]

So the Mavs can deal AD, Gaff, Klay, Washington, and Martin for expirings and picks, let Kyrie and
Powell walk, and clear nearly $180 million from the payroll in time for Luka’s free agency class, plus retain some good pieces like DLive, Max, Naji, and BWill to go with the resigned Luka, Flagg, and the plethora of picks, one or two of which will be near the top of the draft, you’ll get in the trades? Count me as a vote to strip down the roster and start over. Thst way better than trying to force Flagg onto an aging team with massive defensive liabilities in Klay and Kyrie, massive injury concerns, and three non shooting big men. That’s a roster that doesn’t work in the NBA.

[Dundalis]

So the Mavs can deal AD, Gaff, Klay, Washington, and Martin for expirings and picks, let Kyrie and
Powell walk, and clear nearly $180 million from the payroll in time for Luka’s free agency class, plus retain some good pieces like DLive, Max, Naji, and BWill to go with the resigned Luka, Flagg, and the plethora of picks, one or two of which will be near the top of the draft, you’ll get in the trades? Count me as a vote to strip down the roster and start over.  Thst way better than trying to force Flagg onto an aging team with massive defensive liabilities in Klay and Kyrie, massive injury concerns, and three non shooting big men. That’s a roster that doesn’t work in the NBA.

You'd need a competent GM to have any relevant foresight to do anything remotely like that. Maybe one day this team will have one.

[Dundalis]

https://x.com/Mavs_FFL/status/1922099876403331409

Mavs FO absolutely freaked out when they saw what happened.

Look at Nico.

It pains me to see him happy. However, as a Mav fan first, I am with him here. I don't think they'll be trading the pick

I dunno, I just have the feeling Nico is a bit of a egomaniac sociopath. Especially with all the things he's done with getting rid of key personnel behind the scenes. From what I know of those types, trusting anything they do or say isn't a good idea. Def not counting the chickens until Flagg is in a Mavs jersey. Probably won't be comfortable period until he's gone from the job.

[ThisIStheYear]

A little more research on what we’re getting with Flagg. Basically, he’s one of four elite players in recent history who can do nearly anything except maybe guard a Shaq like player, joining Lebron, Kawhi, and Pipoen. He projects to be better than Pippen and Kawhi, not quite as good as Lebron (who actually could do a decent job guarding guys like Shaq or Jokic, setting him apart). Tatum has to be on this list too, so that’s 5. But, count me as down for a two way, five tool, inside out player similar to Kawhi who’s more like Lebron personality wise than Kawhi. It would be ridiculous to trade him, or build around anyone else, especially after his combine measurements came in better than expected.

[omahen]

On one hand I am very happy for the Mavs. On the other hand I have that bad feeling, that an incompetent GM like Nico simply doesn't deserve this luck.

Obivously a huge game changer for Mavs. A team that was already decent just lucked themselves into another generational talent. And Mavs still have plenty of good contracts and 3 FRP to improve the team. I think a pass first PG that could play with or without Irving would be the biggest need. On the top of my head, a player like Giddey could be ideal - just an example, I am aware there are considerable obstacles related to SnT. A player that can create to an extent but doesn't have a huge usage. Conley in his younger days would be an ideal archetype, Jrue is another, Marcus Smart (not that old yet). Would Orlando consider moving Suggs for more offense, for example? Something like Reaves to Orlando, PJ and Gafford to Lakers (add in missing salaries where needed).

On a lower end, Ball as FGump is suggesting, is also a good example.

With Flagg, Mavs have expiring PJ and Gafford that are expendable, there is Martin, Naji and Christie. All these guys can play a role, but Mavs can also easily survive without a couple of them. PJ and Gafford will enter their contract years and they have a choice to either play reduced minutes on a contender or ask for more minutes on a different team. If Mavs make a deep playoff run, they could still get paid somewhere even on reduced minutes. In general - if Mavs will be healthy, several players might be unhappy about their minutes.

[DanSchwartzgan]

I am still set on my own "summer plan" primarily featuring a trade for Ball (and wonder hopefully if one was already negotiated at the deadline, when Martin was oddly acquired by DAL despite his ill-fitting contract with incentives that all count - as a player CHI would value in a swap for Ball? - and when Ball did his extension downward to a number that works for Mavs needs). A package of Martin-Powell-Hardy for Ball would be ideal imo, as it allows money and space for the roster below (which also includes following up by signing 2 players to return, Jones and Exum, but not SD).
 

There is speculation that one of both of Gafford/PJ might be outgoing largely based on contract status.  If we are really about winning a championship now, you do something like what you have here.  You package the excess (Martin/Hardy/Powell) and give Gafford and PJ their money.  It will be an apron problem in 26/27 and 27/28.  But, you are probably quite elite those two years.  I think you take your shot with Lively, Gafford, AD, Flagg, PJ, Naji, Klay, Christie, Kyrie, Exum, Ball and Williams and let 2026 worry about 2026 when it gets here.  

An interesting thing about Ball is he's a one and done at $10mm if it doesn't work out (or you need to cut salary).  His second year is a TO.  That fits well with the team's financial situation.  He doesn't have to be a great scorer.  Just defend the position and manage the team for a few months.  It doesn't have to be Ball.  There are other guys in the $10mm-$18mm range.  Maybe it's a better long term guy than Ball and you don't keep Exum.  I think the Sexton's and Whites of the world probably cost some draft capital on top of Martin et al.  If I'm right about that, Ball starts to look better because he doesn't cost you a pick and might not cost you Exum where someone like Sexton surely would.

Kyrie is kind of key here.  I was in the camp of 3/$120mm up to maybe $137.5mm (which would be a continuation of his current deal with raises) before the injury.  I think your 1+1 is too punitive.  I understand he lost some value with his injury, but I think they will give him 3 years to line Kyrie up with AD's contract.  I would probably try to get an opt out so we could lower his 2025 number.  I would try to get him in the $120mm range starting at around $38mm.  That would be a $17.5mm discount to his current $43.9mm plus two years added with current raises for missing part of 25/26.  It won't be presented as such.  It will be Kyrie working with the team in a sacrificial way to help us keep everyone together.  But, my prediction is that $120mm number starting with a lower number than $43.9mm in 25/26.

[SleepingHero]

https://x.com/fullcourtpass/status/19222...08424?s=46

@Fullcourtpass
Video proof that the Dallas Mavericks ACTUALLY won the NBA Draft Lottery

The combination 10, 14, 11, and 7 gave the Mavs the 1st pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Gafford and PJ are in contract years and are going to have their playing time reduced big time. I just don't see how that works. We saw PJ is not particularly effective playing the three.

As for Lonzo Ball, he is a connector now. He is no longer an offense creator. With Kyrie out 6 months, I don't see Lonzo Ball and Dante Exum carrying the offense.

I'm hoping for a much bigger roster shakeup than FGump.

[Chicagojk]

It feels like a PJ trade is probably coming.  Sadly, we will probably be looking for someone just like PJ next to Flagg three seasons from now when AD is done.  PJ would still be under 30 at that point.

Or, you trade Gafford and force AD to get some of his minutes at C and some at PF.  Then you have Lively and three guys in AD, Flagg and PJ who can play up or down a position.  

I'm not sure which one I'm rooting for.  It does feel like we need to send out one for someone in the Sexton/White neighborhood.  I'm anxiously awaiting FG's apron numbers with the top pick included.  I've gotten kind of lazy and don't want to relearn all of these new apron rules.  I think we are destined to be a second apron team, so some added complexity to what we can/can't do on the trade front.

You are right PJ would be a nice fit when AD is no longer here.  I just don’t know how you make it work.  Even if you told him his minutes would remain the same.  Players who played a big role for a title finalist very rarely want to take a step back in their prime of their career and come off the bench.  Then you have to factor in his in in a contract year and playing for that next contract.  Telling him to come off the bench is not going to be a good conversation.

The only thing I can think of is start Cooper at the 2.  Less than ideal.  You would have to have an awkward conversation with Klay too, but he is not a long term piece.  Then PJ can start still.  After 4 minutes you can sub to get a better fitting lineup.  That is the only way I can see PJ staying here.

It probably leads to a Gafford trade.  That would suck as I really like Gafford.   I am. It sure what type of value he would bring back in a market flooded with centers.  Plus he is looking for a new contract.

[numnuts23]

All this talk about Giannis is dumb - no only are you giving up a potential franchise player but your having to fit $50 million into the cap.

The salary matching would gut this team to some aging stars and filler. On top of that, when that fails - you don't have your own draft picks to climb out of the Phoenix gutter.

This is a complete reset for the Franchise future. Using Marvel - a new branch has formed.
You have a short term contending model and an actual future star past this existing team.

[From Dirk to SCREW YOU Nico]

WE'LL TAKE IT!!

[DanSchwartzgan]

You are right PJ would be a nice fit when AD is no longer here.  I just don’t know how you make it work.  Even if you told him his minutes would remain the same.  Players who played a big role for a title finalist very rarely want to take a step back in their prime of their career and come off the bench.  Then you have to factor in his in in a contract year and playing for that next contract.  Telling him to come off the bench is not going to be a good conversation.

The only thing I can think of is start Cooper at the 2.  Less than ideal.  You would have to have an awkward conversation with Klay too, but he is not a long term piece.  Then PJ can start still.  After 4 minutes you can sub to get a better fitting lineup.  That is the only way I can see PJ staying here.

It probably leads to a Gafford trade.  That would suck as I really like Gafford.   I am. It sure what type of value he would bring back in a market flooded with centers.  Plus he is looking for a new contract.

I'd note that FG has Flagg off the bench in his projected lineup.  Obviously, not permanent, but it would be a way to start PJ.

I'm not advocating this being a 'contract year' for either.  I'm advocating giving both their extensions this summer.  It won't be a comfortable negotiation, but if the years/salary are right, I think it is possible.  One might say "yeah, but aren't you just setting them up to be traded later".  Well, everyone is subject to being traded later.  Both would much rather have the certainty of an extension (at a preferred number) than the uncertainty of going into free agency.  S&T's are really hard for good (expensive) teams to pull off as it is a hard cap trigger.  So, free agency probably means going back to situations (Charlotte/Washington) that both recently escaped from.

[DallasMaverick]

I'd note that FG has Flagg off the bench in his projected lineup.  Obviously, not permanent, but it would be a way to start PJ.

I'm not advocating this being a 'contract year' for either.  I'm advocating giving both their extensions this summer.  It won't be a comfortable negotiation, but if the years/salary are right, I think it is possible.  One might say "yeah, but aren't you just setting them up to be traded later".  Well, everyone is subject to being traded later.  Both would much rather have the certainty of an extension (at a preferred number) than the uncertainty of going into free agency.  S&T's are really hard for good (expensive) teams to pull off as it is a hard cap trigger.  So, free agency probably means going back to situations (Charlotte/Washington) that both recently escaped from.

Thinking about playing time...

We had a weird situation last year where players 6-15 received far more playing time than we would have expected in a relatively injury-free season. We saw significant contributions from almost everyone on the roster.  BWill, anyone?  Kessler Edwards?

With Kyrie out the majority of this upcoming year, we're looking for replacement minutes from other guys.  BWill, Exum, maybe a trade for another creator.

But for the bigs and wings, we have a glut.  So, whose contributions are most disposable?

I sure love the two-headed Gaff/Lively monster.  Gives us so much versatility matching up with opposing bigs.  And is Lively really going to stay healthy?  The only truly disposable part seems to be Powell.

AD / PJ / Flagg would seem to provide all the minutes at the 4. OMax disposable.

PJ / Naji / Flagg at the 3. Martin disposable.

Klay / Christie / Exum at the 2.  Hardy disposable.

For all the "NO!" moments from Dinwiddie, he had plenty of "YESS!" moments, too.  And such a bargain.  And he can create for himself and others.  And with Kyrie out, he exactly fills a position of need.  I'd keep, at the vet minimum, if he's willing.

May I also observe that Flagg might not start, nor get a ton of minutes?  Is 15 a game reasonable?

What can you get for Powell / Omax / Martin / Hardy?  I'm thinking "not much".  Almost certainly not a well-rounded two-way player.  Based on Nico's proclivity towards defense-first players, maybe another guy like Exum, but with better health?

[Tyler]

May I also observe that Flagg might not start, nor get a ton of minutes?  Is 15 a game reasonable?

I think it's at least possible Flagg may not start at the beginning of the season, but there's no way he doesn't get more than 15 minutes a game. And it won't be long at all before he's a fixture in the starting lineup. The fans may hate Kidd even more than Nico if he plants Flagg on the bench. 

[SwisherPrice]

I haven't been able to stop smiling for the last 14 hours and have done a random fistpump at least once an hour. This team was dead and buried and it was not looking good.

Thank you Adam Silver! I take back anything negative I ever said about the In Season Tournament and the All Star Game