The Dallas Mavericks finally listened to their fanbase and fired general manager Nico Harrison. For many, it came months too late, as his choice to trade Luka Doncic was the final nail in the coffin.
In an effort to undo the damage caused by the ill-fated trade, Dallas’ next front office will have to rebuild around Cooper Flagg, who is the lone bright spot for the franchise.
It’s clear that Flagg is at his best when sharing the court with a traditional point guard. Kyrie Irving remains out, and with Harrison gone, there’s a chance he gets traded along with veterans Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson.
None of those three players will fetch as much value as Dallas would like, although they could recoup their losses and go all-in on building around Flagg.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – APRIL 18: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies react during the first half of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
3-Team Mock Trade Helps Rebuild Dallas Mavericks
Keep in mind, Harrison never wanted to end up with Flagg. Trading Doncic was supposed to open a title window, not make Dallas one of the worst teams in the NBA.
The Mavericks have to get away from the deal, and adding players to boost Flagg, not Davis, needs to be a priority. By moving on from Davis, Flagg can slot into his more natural forward position, and the Mavericks should be able to add quality talent.
Dallas is not the only franchise with turbulence in the front office. The Memphis Grizzlies have been rumored to be shopping Ja Morant. While Morant is not a perfect player, he does fill a position of need for the Mavericks.
Full Mock Trade Details
- Dallas Mavericks receive: Ja Morant, Zach Collins, 2029 first-round pick (most favorable of LAL or CHI)
- Chicago Bulls receive: Anthony Davis, Brandon Clarke
- Memphis Grizzlies receive: Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, 2029 first-round pick (least favorable of CHI or LAL), 2031 first-round pick (via DAL)
The Chicago Bulls are one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, boasting a 6-4 record. However, they are a below-average defensive team. With Davis, not only are their defensive concerns addressed, but they also get their biggest star since Derrick Rose.
Dallas loses their 2031 pick but possibly upgrades the 2029 pick from the Lakers. Still, the Grizzlies walk away as the biggest winners of this trade.
How Mock Trade Offers Relief and Flexibility
In terms of floor-spacing big men, there really aren’t two better than Nikola Vucevic and Jaren Jackson Jr. Vucevic can cover for Jackson Jr.’s rebounding struggles, and Jackson Jr. masks Vucevic’s poor defense. Add in a ball-handler and scorer like Coby White, and the Grizzlies should improve.
If they don’t, they walk away from this trade with two new draft picks and two expiring contracts, allowing them to start from scratch next summer.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, add a point guard and a backup big to join Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford in the frontcourt. Zach Collins, like Vucevic, is in the last year of his contract.
Chicago, meanwhile, is put in an interesting spot. The East has never been more wide open, and with their efficient offense, adding a defensive anchor is a priority if they want to win now. Davis isn’t the most durable player in the NBA, but he is very effective when placed in the right role.
The Bulls also boost their bench with Brandon Clarke coming to town. They lose a draft pick, but they still have seven first-rounders. For a chance to make their first Finals appearance since the Michael Jordan era, it’s worth taking the risk on Davis.
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