5 Dallas Mavericks Trade Targets to Boost Cooper Flagg's Rookie NBA Season
Early November losses typically don't cause alarm. However, a defeat by the 2025-26 New Orleans Pelicans signals urgent concern for the Dallas Mavericks. To support Cooper Flagg’s rookie season beyond mere moral wins, Dallas must improve its offense through trades.
Current Team Offensive Struggles
- The Mavericks rank 30th in points per possession and 28th in effective field-goal percentage.
- There are no promising solutions within the current roster.
- D'Angelo Russell is not the answer to offensive issues.
While using Flagg as a point guard offers valuable experience, it prematurely places heavy playmaking duties on him. The Mavericks have a minus-61 net rating this season when Flagg plays without a point guard, featuring an offensively poor rating.
“Playing Flagg at point guard is a valuable experimental gimmick, but it's a disservice to saddle him with too much floor-general responsibility this soon.”
Waiting for Kyrie Irving’s return from ACL surgery is risky; his recovery timeline is uncertain, and the competitive margins in the Western Conference allow no room for error.
Potential Trade Targets
Here are five realistic yet ambitious players that the Mavericks should consider pursuing to upgrade their offensive firepower:
- Tyler Herro – Currently sidelined due to left ankle surgery, but might be more accessible considering Miami’s recent decisions and in-team dynamics.
- Norman Powell – Has shown strong performance in Herro’s absence.
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. – Gained valuable on-ball experience recently.
- Kasparas Jakučionis – New addition from last June’s draft with potential upside.
- Miami Heat’s Contract Decisions – Their choice not to extend Herro in October could make him a more achievable target.
“The 25-year-old All-Star could be more gettable than untouchable.”
Dallas needs to act decisively to build a team that supports Flagg’s development and competes seriously in the West this season.
Author's summary: The Mavericks must pursue trades to strengthen their offense and truly support rookie Cooper Flagg, as current weaknesses and delayed returns risk season failure.