In a move that raised eyebrows across the NBA, the Boston Celtics conducted a formal interview with top prospect Cooper Flagg during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. This development is particularly intriguing given that the Celtics hold the 28th pick in the upcoming draft, far removed from the top selections where Cooper Flagg is projected to be chosen.
Flagg, a Maine native and lifelong Celtics fan, is widely anticipated to be the No. 1 overall pick, with the Dallas Mavericks securing that position despite having only a 1.8% chance in the lottery.
The Celtics' interest in Flagg, despite their low draft position, has sparked speculation about potential trade moves to acquire the top pick. It has to be said that Flagg's hometown team is the Boston Celtics, and if he simply refuses to play in Dallas and wants to be in Boston, there could be a major blockbuster deal on the table to make this happen.
With the Mavericks expected to select Flagg, any trade by Boston would require a significant trade package to entice Dallas into parting with the best player in the draft class. This scenario sets the stage for a potentially shocking draft-day trade that could reshape the landscape of the NBA.
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Jaylen Brown, 2025 No. 28 Overall Pick
The Celtics' Gamble: Trading Jaylen Brown For Cooper Flagg And Klay Thompson
In this trade idea, the Boston Celtics' decision to trade Jaylen Brown, a key contributor averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game during the 2024-25 season, for the draft rights to Cooper Flagg and veteran Klay Thompson is a bold move.
Brown's performance will be instrumental for the Celtics, especially in the wake of Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, which has sidelined him indefinitely. Brown is required to step up as the team's primary scorer and leader, demonstrating his value on both ends of the court. Remember, this is a former Finals MVP we are talking about.
However, Cooper Flagg is a standout freshman from Duke University, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while leading his team to the Final Four. His versatility and potential have made him a top prospect, and the Celtics' interest in Flagg, a Maine native and lifelong fan of the team, suggests a long-term vision centered around developing young talent.
Adding Klay Thompson, who averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game with the Dallas Mavericks, provides the Celtics with a seasoned shooter and defender. While Thompson's numbers have declined from his peak years, his experience and championship pedigree could offer valuable mentorship to younger players like Flagg.
The Celtics could be looking ahead to their future and realizing that Jayson Tatum is the only player who is untouchable moving forward. Pairing him with Flagg while also retaining Derrick White and Jrue Holiday means the Celtics are not going anywhere as a title contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Mavericks' Perspective: Acquiring Jaylen Brown
For the Dallas Mavericks, acquiring Jaylen Brown addresses the immediate need for a dynamic scorer and defender following the departure of Luka Doncic. Brown's ability to create his own shot and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable asset in the Western Conference.
His experience in deep playoff runs adds a level of maturity and leadership to a team looking to remain competitive, especially with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis on the roster. No doubt, the Mavericks' Big Three would be incredibly tough to handle, especially when adding in Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington in the lineup.
The Mavericks also benefit from offloading Klay Thompson's contract ($16,666,667 next season with a $17,460,317 player option in 2026-27), freeing up cap space for future moves. While losing the opportunity to draft Cooper Flagg may seem significant, the immediate impact of adding a proven All-Star like Brown could outweigh the potential of an unproven rookie.
Additionally, acquiring a 2031 first-round pick provides the Mavericks with a future asset that could be used in subsequent trades or to draft emerging talent. This strategic move balances the team's current competitiveness with long-term planning.
A Shocking Trade That We Must Consider
Overall, this is a shocking trade that we can't rule out. By investing in Cooper Flagg, the Celtics are betting on his development into a franchise cornerstone. The addition of Klay Thompson serves as a bridge, providing veteran presence on a title-contending team.
For the Mavericks, the trade reflects a commitment to remaining competitive in the short term. By acquiring Jaylen Brown, they aim to fill the void left by Doncic and maintain their status as playoff contenders with a new Big Three. The inclusion of a future first-round pick ensures that they retain some flexibility for the future as well.
Overall, this trade does make sense. While the Celtics focus on developing young talent while remaining a contender, the Mavericks prioritize proven performance because Nico Harrison made it clear that they are in win-now mode.
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