The fallout from the awful Luka Dončić trade has created a dark saga for the Dallas Mavericks. They just fired Nico Harrison, the author of the trade, and NBA insiders predict that Dallas might now decide to lean into a rebuild around Cooper Flagg, which could mean trading Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving for younger players and/or draft capital. Interestingly, a new report from Marc Stein of The Stein Line suggested this week that Dallas is shopping AD, but not Kyrie. “League sources say that the Mavericks still intend to field any trade interest in Davis that emerges over the next two-plus months … with the prospect of an actual trade obviously dependent on offer quality,” the report read (subscription required). “Davis, remember, has only been healthy enough to appear in 14 of 48 regular-season games since becoming a Maverick due to serious adductor and calf setbacks. Sources say that the Mavericks, by contrast, are not encouraging trade inquiries for Kyrie Irving, who remains out indefinitely after undergoing knee surgery in late March. Already vibing nicely with prized rookie Cooper Flagg in practice settings, Irving is a player they hope to keep.” The AD reports have caused a flurry of different reactions around the NBA. Some pundits feel that Davis could cause a power shift in the Eastern Conference if he were to join a team like the Detroit Pistons or Atlanta Hawks. Story continues below advertisement Other people are still doubtful that Dallas will move AD, especially since minority own Mark Cuban came out and denied the trade rumors. Whatever ends up happening with Davis, it’s obvious by now that the Mavericks (well, Nico Harrison) completely set the franchise back five or 10 years by trading Dončić. Story continues below advertisement Flagg is a wonderful piece, of course, but by the time he’s in his mid-twenties, Davis and Irving will be close to retired (assuming they avoid more serious injuries, which is a big “if”). What are the chances that Dallas can make a title run this year or next year? That would imply that both AD and Kyrie can be healthy for an extended period of time (simultaneously), including a grueling playoff run. That just doesn’t feel plausible. The Mavs would be wise to swallow their win-now pride and sell the non-Flagg farm to start building for a brighter future. Further injuries to AD and Kyrie would doom their win-now hopes and also drive down those guys’ trade value. Story continues below advertisement