Cooper Flagg
Getty
Mavericks won't entertain trade offers
The trade deadline is 10 days away, and the Dallas Mavericks may be among the most active dealers.
Former NBA champion Anthony Davis and Mavericks reserves Naji Marshall and Daniel Gafford have drawn interest from around the league.
Dallas doesn’t seem particularly eager to move either of them, but the team reportedly values draft capital and expiring contracts in any potential deal.
While a blockbuster may be in store, Mavericks fans can rest easy knowing that their franchise player is not at risk of being moved.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Mavericks have informed rival executives that Cooper Flagg is “untouchable” in trade discussions.
This may sound like common sense, since the No. 1 pick Flagg has flashed immense two-way potential during his rookie season thus far.
Given that the Mavericks shockingly flipped All-NBA guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers last season, Mavericks fans should be comforted to know the rug won’t be pulled from underneath them again.
Anthony Davis Unlikely to be Traded
Anthony Davis
GettyAnthony Davis is unlikely to be dealt before the trade deadline
Former No. 1 picks Davis and Flagg headlined the Mavericks’ haul for Doncic a season ago.
Many pondered whether a subsequent trade involving Davis would follow to clear cap space and add draft capital.
Dallas held trade discussions with the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons, though a deal has yet to materialize.
Writing for The Athletic, NBA reporter Christian Clark reported that the Mavericks remain “unlikely” to deal the All-Star center.
“With the NBA trade deadline 10 days away, it remains unlikely that Anthony Davis will be on the move, multiple league sources have told The Athletic.
Davis is still recovering from a left hand injury suffered in the Dallas Mavericks’ Jan. 8 game against the Utah Jazz. He did light on-court work before Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, but he’s not expected to play again until late February at the earliest.
In return for Davis, Dallas is reportedly seeking expiring contracts and draft capital.
Since Dallas traded several draft picks in years past, the team is eager to recoup draft capital.
The Mavericks don’t have full control of their first-round pick after this year again until 2031 (though they do own the Lakers’ unprotected 2029 first). Dallas also doesn’t control a second-round pick until 2030.
Mavericks Unwilling to Move Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg
GettyCooper Flagg is off limits in Dallas trade talks
While the jury is still out on a potential Davis trade, the door is completely shut for a Flagg trade.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Flagg is off limits, while Naji Marshall could be dealt.
“Naji Marshall and Max Christie have emerged as prized members of Dallas’ post Luka Dončić-core alongside Rookie of the Year favorite Cooper Flagg,” Stein wrote. “I’m told that the Mavericks, as a result, have established high trade thresholds for both. (Flagg, obviously, is an untouchable.)
“When it comes to Marshall — who is in Year 2 of a rather attractive three-year, $27 million pact — Dallas is said to be unwilling to listen to any trade approaches that don’t feature a future first-round pick.”
With 10 days remaining before the trade deadline, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if another blockbuster awaits.