In one of the biggest surprises in NBA history, the Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft despite having just a 1.8% chance of doing so.
The stars aligning perfectly for the Mavericks comes after general manager Nico Harrison unexpectedly traded five-time All-NBA guard and beloved superstar, Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.
With a team that features a 10-time NBA All-Star in Anthony Davis and an NBA champion in Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks could be a piece away from contending for a title next season.
While most people around the NBA world assumed that the team will draft Duke's Cooper Flagg, others floated out the idea that the team could trade the top pick in exchange for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo. On Tuesday, NBA insider Tim MacMahon confirmed that Dallas is planning to take Flagg once the draft rolls around.
"Sources: Yes, the Mavericks plan to draft Cooper Flagg," wrote MacMahon. "No, Mavs governor Patrick Dumont will not look a gift horse in the mouth and consider trading the No. 1 overall pick."
A confirmation that led to quite a few different reactions online.
"Oh wow they’ll draft the best player in the draft?! No way," joked one user.
"But what does Nico want to do," asked another.
"Rare front office W," commented a third.
"Poor Coop…. He doesn’t deserve that dumpster fire," chimed in another.
"They not doing something stupid twice," added another.
"Thank you god," said another.
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg.
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
In his lone season at Duke, Flagg led the team to a Final Four appearance while also being the team leader in points (19.2), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.2), steals (1.4) and blocks (1.4).
Flagg was also named the ACC Player of the Year and the 2025 Naismith Men's College Player of the Year.
This year's draft is set to take place in Chicago on June 25, and will air on ABC/ESPN starting at 8 p.m. ET.