This offseason, everyone was aware that the Phoenix Suns were shopping Kevin Durant. The Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs were all listed as landing spots, although the Spurs and Houston Rockets were seen as frontrunners until he was eventually traded.
The Mavericks‘ biggest addition this summer, by far, was rookie Cooper Flagg. Picked first overall, Flagg was touted as a generational prospect, and he was nearly paired with Durant.
As it turns out, the Mavericks were closer to getting a deal done than initially thought.
GettyDALLAS, TX – MARCH 9: Max Christie #00 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball as Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns defends during the first half at American Airlines Center on March 9, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
One Thing Stopped Dallas Mavericks from Adding Kevin Durant
As the Suns explored their options, they wanted one thing above all else: draft picks and young players.
The rights to Flagg, and likely Dereck Lively II, were off the table in trade talks. Even without those young stars, the Mavericks could have swung a trade with the Suns. By including either Daniel Gafford or PJ Washington, as well as Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin, Dallas would have been close to matching Durant’s salary. Add in pick swaps in 2026 and 2031 and picks in 2032 and 2029 (via LAL), and Dallas would have realized the package the Suns got from Houston.
However, Durant was unsure about playing on a roster without a stud point guard, and Kyrie Irving’s ACL tear reportedly ruined any shot the Mavericks had at keeping Durant around long-term.
“I think Dallas had a very good chance of getting him,” Quinn Cook told Brandon Robinson. Cook played alongside Durant on the Golden State Warriors.
A lineup of Irving, Durant, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Cooper Flagg would have immediately made the Mavericks’ title threats.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 27: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns talks with Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Footprint Center on December 27, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Irony in Durant’s Refusal to Play for Mavericks
At this point in his career, Durant has a balancing act to do. On one side, winning a ring as the chief scoring option is enticing. On the other hand, there aren’t too many teams willing to build around a 37-year-old.
All three Texas teams would have been an ideal fit. They all have solid point guards, young stars to build around, and a need for floor spacing. The Mavericks, before Durant was traded, lost Irving to an ACL tear. The Rockets, after Durant arrived, lost Fred VanVleet to the same injury.
While De’Aaron Fox doesn’t have a devastating knee injury, he will miss time with hip issues, so the best guards in Texas are all injured.
Maybe Durant didn’t have a perfect option, although with Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, it’s hard to imagine he’s regretting ending up on the Rockets over the Mavericks, who missed the playoffs last season.
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