Despite Nico Harrison’s promises, the Dallas Mavericks are not a championship-worthy team. Anthony Davis, according to Harrison, was supposed to be the two-way force the Mavericks needed.
Instead, they are 2-3 in games he has played and got blown out in the first game he missed. Currently injured, Davis is clearly not a building block moving forward. The Mavericks’ commitment to their distant title hopes has already stunted the development of Cooper Flagg.
For confounding reasons, the Mavericks have refused to maximize the top pick. Flagg is at his best when he shares the court with a point guard. Dallas hasn’t given D’Angelo Russell a real role, and Kyrie Irving remains out with a torn ACL.
Without a real point guard to move the ball, the Mavericks need to consider a trade to fill the void.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – APRIL 18: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Naji Marshall #13 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second 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)
Dallas Mavericks Could Land Ja Morant via Trade
Between his frequent injuries and suspensions, Ja Morant’s time with the Memphis Grizzlies may be coming to an end. He has already been mentioned in trade rumors, linked to two rebuilding teams that need a guard.
The Mavericks have committed to their mostly-injured core of Davis, Irving, and Klay Thompson, although fans have urged them to embrace a rebuild and build around Flagg. Picked first overall, Flagg was touted as a generational player, but has yet to be put in a position to succeed.
With Morant’s clock ticking and his value at an all-time low, now is the time for the Mavericks to strike. The only issue is his salary. Morant is owed $39.4 million this season is under contract through 2027-28.
Full Mock Trade Details
- Dallas Mavericks receive: Ja Morant
- Memphis Grizzlies receive: Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, 2029 first-round pick (via LAL), 2031 first-round pick (top-ten protected)
This deal gives Memphis some flexibility moving forward. For Dallas, Flagg gets a healthy, high-level point guard who fits his timeline pretty closely. They manage to keep their pick in 2026 and their 2028 swap with the Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing them to add young talent down the road.
Why Mock Trade Is Hard for Dallas Mavericks
Moving on from win-now talent like Thompson and Daniel Gafford would be Harrison admitting defeat. For the purposes of building around Flagg, Gafford is a little redundant, as Dereck Lively II is perfectly capable of starting.
Losing Thompson hurts, but it opens up touches for Flagg and PJ Washington, who are both better players at this point. Once fully healthy, the Mavericks can boast a starting five of Irving, Morant, Flagg, Davis, and Lively II. Washington would be the do-all sixth man, and Russell, Max Christie, Dwight Powell, and Brandon Williams would add some depth.
For Memphis, Gafford and Thompson would likely be flipped in the offseason to win-now teams looking to round out their cores. Thompson’s value, like Morant’s, has never been lower, although Thompson’s All-Star days are clearly behind him. Morant, meanwhile, could find his footing.
Losing two picks may be a bit steep for the Maericks, especially if they embrace a future-forward mindset. However, to get the most out of Flagg (who should be the franchise centerpiece), they need to add a star-level point guard who is presently healthy.
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