The Dallas Mavericks have already rewritten their storyline for 2025-26. By selecting Duke’s electrifying star Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, Dallas signaled its intent to win now, capping a roller-coaster offseason that began with the blockbuster midseason trade sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.
Flagg’s arrival kickstarts a new era built around three former No. 1 picks: Kyrie Irving (returning from injury), Anthony Davis, and the rookie Flagg. NBA insiders are already betting on the 19-year-old phenom, with a majority calling him the leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. With his positional versatility, elite instincts, and star pedigree, Flagg instantly heightens Dallas’s ceiling.
Yet the Mavericks’ frontcourt punch still needs one more piece. Their backcourt requires a definitive upgrade to mesh with their new core and emerge as legitimate Western Conference contenders. To seal the deal, Dallas has its sights set on a perfect shooting guard, and we propose one that nobody could see coming.
Proposed Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Jordan Hawkins
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Klay Thompson, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 2032 first-round pick
Dallas Mavericks Add A Young Sharpshooter Around Three Stars
The Dallas Mavericks could make a significant move to bolster their backcourt by acquiring 23-year-old shooting guard Jordan Hawkins from the New Orleans Pelicans. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 190 lbs, Hawkins brings a promising scoring ability to the Mavericks. His addition complements the existing core of Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, forming a formidable trio.
Hawkins' scoring prowess and shooting efficiency make him a valuable asset to the team. In the 2024-25 NBA season, Hawkins averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His shooting efficiency includes a 37.2% field goal percentage, but he can likely crack a higher percentage to showcase his capability to contribute offensively.
Pairing Hawkins with established stars like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis positions the Mavericks as a formidable contender in the Western Conference, enhancing their depth and scoring versatility. Hawkins is also much younger than Klay Thompson and will be able to run-and-gun alongside Cooper Flagg.
New Orleans Pelicans Bring Back A Legend And A Pick
The New Orleans Pelicans would bring back veteran guard Klay Thompson, promising forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and a 2032 first-round pick. This move allows the Pelicans to reintroduce Thompson, a seasoned player with championship experience, into their lineup. Thompson's leadership and shooting ability are expected to bolster the Pelicans' backcourt.
In the 2024-25 NBA season, Thompson averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His shooting efficiency includes a 41.2% field goal percentage, showcasing his scoring capability. Additionally, the inclusion of the 2032 first-round pick offers the Pelicans future assets to further develop their roster, aligning with their long-term strategic goals.
Prosper's inclusion in the trade adds a young, versatile forward to the Pelicans' roster. In the 2024-25 NBA season, Prosper averaged 3.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. His potential for growth and development makes him a valuable asset for the Pelicans' future endeavors.
A Move That Could Make The Mavs A Very Sneaky Contender
With the addition of Jordan Hawkins, the Dallas Mavericks have significantly strengthened their backcourt. Hawkins' scoring ability and shooting efficiency complement the talents of Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, creating a dynamic trio capable of competing with the league's elite teams.
The Mavericks' strategic moves, including the acquisition of Hawkins, position them as a team to watch in the upcoming season. Their blend of experienced stars and emerging talent makes them a potential "sneaky contender" in the Western Conference. As the season progresses, the Mavericks' performance will be closely monitored to see if this trade propels them into championship contention.
If Hawkins can seamlessly integrate into the Mavericks' system, the team could surprise many and make a deep playoff run. Klay Thompson is likely a better shooter with clearly more championship experience, but Hawkins brings a different dynamic for a team that could use a bit more youth and speed.
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