Anshari Taslim
The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly considering a comprehensive restructuring of their roster following the recent dismissal of General Manager Nico Harrison. With new co-interim GMs Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi now at the helm, the organization appears poised to pivot towards a full rebuild centered around 18-year-old phenom Cooper Flagg, acquired earlier this season. This strategic shift implies that nearly every player on the current roster, with the notable exception of Flagg himself, could be available for trade as the team aims to optimize its future draft capital and align player timelines with its emerging cornerstone. P.J. Washington, having signed an extension in September, is currently legally untradable due to a six-month restriction extending past the February trade deadline.
The immediate aftermath of Harrison’s departure saw a surge in speculation regarding Anthony Davis’s future in Dallas. A trade involving the 32-year-old veteran appears increasingly probable, as his timeline does not align with a long-term rebuild around Flagg. Dallas controls its 2026 first-round pick but is encumbered by obligations for the subsequent four years. This situation renders tanking for the current season a strategic imperative to maximize the value of their controlled picks and future flexibility. Retaining Davis, a high-impact player, would likely result in victories that run counter to this organizational objective.
Despite the team’s current trajectory, it is important to note that the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals just two seasons prior, indicating the presence of talent on the roster. Many players, while potentially struggling in the current "broken" team construct, could offer significant contributions to more balanced, playoff-contending squads. The following trade proposals, while theoretical and made in isolation, represent potential pathways for the Mavericks to reconfigure their roster. Some transactions may not be legally permissible until December 15 or January 15 due to recently signed contracts, but all are considered ultimately feasible before the trade deadline. While many players may ultimately remain in Dallas, the depth of the organizational challenge under the previous regime necessitates a thorough evaluation of all available options.
Trade 1: Anthony Davis to Golden State
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Warriors acquire: Anthony Davis
Bucks acquire: Jimmy Butler
Mavericks acquire: Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince, 2032 first-round pick (via Warriors), 2030 first-round swap rights (via Bucks), 2032 first-round swap rights (via Bucks)
The Golden State Warriors have reportedly held a long-standing interest in Anthony Davis, dating back nearly a decade. For the Warriors, Davis represents a significant upgrade from their current frontcourt options and an ideal fit alongside Stephen Curry. His ability to provide a vertical offensive dimension and elite interior defense could address key deficiencies that have hampered Golden State in recent seasons. Davis, averaging 23.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks this season, would become Curry’s most impactful teammate since Kevin Durant, potentially elevating the Warriors’ championship aspirations.
Salary matching presents a complex challenge for Golden State. A three-team framework involving Jimmy Butler facilitates the financial requirements. The Mavericks, committed to a rebuild around Flagg, would not view Butler as a suitable asset. However, the Milwaukee Bucks, a wing-needy contender in the Eastern Conference, present a logical destination for Butler. The Bucks’ roster, which features ample shooting from players like Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez, could absorb Butler’s lower three-point volume. His elite ball-handling, playmaking, and defensive prowess, combined with his ability to draw fouls (Milwaukee ranks 27th in free-throw rate), would address critical needs for a team currently vying for a top seed.
The Bucks’ cost for Butler would involve a collection of role players and, crucially, two first-round swaps. The 2030 swap would convey the worse of Milwaukee’s own or Portland’s pick, with Dallas’s own 2030 swap owed to San Antonio, likely making this a less favorable asset. The 2032 swap, however, would be Milwaukee’s unprotected pick, a potentially valuable asset given that Butler would likely be retired and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career stage by then is uncertain. This "all-in" move for Milwaukee aims to strengthen their contention window and potentially influence Antetokounmpo’s future contract extension.
Golden State’s acquisition of Davis would be substantial, costing them a pivotal player in Butler, who revitalized their team last season, and a potentially high-value 2032 first-round pick. To replenish draft assets, Golden State might explore trading Jonathan Kuminga or revisiting past trade discussions, such as a Malik Monk-and-a-first-round-pick deal with Sacramento, which could gain traction given the need for shot creation in Butler’s absence. The addition of a player like Naji Marshall from another team in a multi-faceted deal could also address their need for wing defense. While a Davis trade alone might not elevate Golden State to the level of teams like Oklahoma City, it would significantly enhance their upside, potentially placing them within striking distance of a championship with further strategic moves.
Trade 2: Kyrie Irving to Houston
Rockets acquire: Kyrie Irving
Mavericks acquire: Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2029 first-round pick (second-most favorable of Mavericks, Suns, and Rockets)
Kyrie Irving’s trade value remains a subject of considerable debate across the league. Despite his offensive brilliance, his history of injuries, a torn ACL, and a three-year contract, combined with his "mercurial" reputation, have historically limited widespread interest. However, for Dallas, Irving has been a professional presence, and the team is under no immediate pressure to move him. They could opt to hold him out this season to facilitate tanking and integrate him back at full strength next year. Any trade would require substantial returns.
The pool of teams willing to meet Dallas’s demands for Irving is likely narrow. While hypothetical scenarios involving the Lakers, Heat, or Bucks have been discussed, current team dynamics and existing roster constructions often negate the necessity for a high-cost guard acquisition. The Portland Trail Blazers, while potentially benefiting from Irving’s talent, may be reluctant to assume the health risks given their current regular-season objectives.
The Houston Rockets emerge as a compelling suitor, offering a potential reunion with Kevin Durant, with whom Irving previously played in Brooklyn. The Rockets, despite their youth, have demonstrated surprising competitiveness this season without a traditional starting point guard. Fred VanVleet, currently in that role, could be viewed as expendable given the emergence of Amen Thompson as a long-term point guard solution and the potential for a player like Reed Sheppard (currently strong offensively, defensively raw) to factor into future plans. Houston’s abundant draft capital allows them flexibility to part with a lesser pick. In this scenario, Houston would send the second-most favorable of their own, Phoenix’s, and Dallas’s 2029 first-round picks back to the Mavericks. This move would effectively return control of Dallas’s own 2029 pick, contingent on lottery outcomes.
A potential hurdle exists with VanVleet’s right to veto any trade. However, a starting role in Dallas in 2027, when the team might be more competitive, could be appealing, especially if Houston signals a reduced role for him in their future. Irving also possesses a trade bonus, but players frequently waive such clauses when moving to a preferred situation, as Anthony Davis did when joining Dallas.
For Houston, acquiring Irving, provided he returns to play in February or March, would immediately position them as a significant threat in the Western Conference. They would retain their most valuable draft assets – first-round picks from Phoenix and Brooklyn in 2027, and the best of three picks in 2029. Financial considerations in 2028, when Durant, Irving, Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. would all command significant salaries, would necessitate careful management, potentially through Irving opting out for a lower cap figure in exchange for additional years. However, Houston’s deep cache of external picks mitigates the long-term impact of their own pick potentially dropping to 30th overall in future years. This represents a high-reward move for the Rockets with manageable future asset costs.
Trade 3: Dallas Gets Its 2027 Pick Back
Hornets acquire: Max Christie, Daniel Gafford
Mavericks acquire: Collin Sexton, 2027 first-round pick (via Mavericks)
Max Christie and Daniel Gafford are considered solid, affordable role players, each with the potential to command a lower first-round pick in the current trade market. Consolidating these assets to reacquire a more valuable pick presents a strategic advantage for Dallas.
The Charlotte Hornets currently hold Dallas’s 2027 first-round pick, acquired in the Grant Williams sign-and-trade. This pick’s value to Charlotte is somewhat limited by Dallas’s potential control over its quality. If Dallas reacquires this pick, they gain the ability to intentionally prolong their rebuild, aiming for a higher lottery selection in the deep Western Conference. The Hornets would effectively trade a pick likely to fall in the mid-first round for two young, affordable role players who address immediate team needs. Gafford’s rim gravity would complement LaMelo Ball, while Christie would provide much-needed point-of-attack defense.
For Dallas, the appeal is clear: regaining control over their 2027 draft destiny. The inclusion of Collin Sexton provides a capable professional guard for the remainder of the season, crucial for running a functional offense and facilitating Cooper Flagg’s development. Sexton, while not an All-Star, is a solid scorer who can alleviate offensive pressure on the projected No. 1 pick.
Trade 4: A Swap of Promising Youngsters
76ers acquire: Dereck Lively II, Brandon Williams
Mavericks acquire: Jared McCain, Adem Bona
Dereck Lively II, despite recent injury concerns and the strong synergy he displayed with Luka Dončić in his rookie year, is widely considered a highly promising center on a rookie contract. He is a strong candidate to be Flagg’s long-term frontcourt partner, making him nearly untouchable. However, in a scenario where Dallas opts not to trade Davis or Gafford, creating a frontcourt logjam, exploring Lively’s trade value could become a consideration.
This proposed trade addresses current roster imbalances: Dallas has a potential frontcourt surplus, while the Philadelphia 76ers possess a backcourt glut. Jared McCain, who showed significant promise as a Rookie of the Year candidate last season before injury, could be a key asset. His value has dipped this season due to limited minutes and struggles following his return, making a trade more feasible once he re-establishes his performance. The version of McCain seen last year would align with Lively’s trade value, offering Dallas a scoring guard with an extra year on his rookie deal.
For Philadelphia, pairing Lively with Joel Embiid in a rotational capacity could benefit both players, allowing for staggered minutes and reduced individual workloads, particularly for Embiid. The 2024 Mavericks demonstrated the value of having 48 minutes of starting-caliber center play. Should Embiid’s physical demands increase in the future, Lively could transition into a full-time starting role. With McCain’s departure, the 76ers could focus on retaining Quentin Grimes and developing VJ Edgecombe alongside Tyrese Maxey. Brandon Williams and Adem Bona, both promising young backups, would provide depth at their respective positions for their new teams.
Trade 5: Dallas Takes on a Bad Contract with Upside
Pelicans acquire: Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin, Dwight Powell
Mavericks acquire: Dejounte Murray
A key advantage of rebuilding around an 18-year-old talent like Cooper Flagg is the significant cap flexibility it affords. With three affordable years remaining on Flagg’s rookie deal after this season, and their 2026 first-round pick also on a rookie contract, the Mavericks can strategically absorb unfavorable contracts to acquire assets or potential upside.
The New Orleans Pelicans have little incentive to retain Dejounte Murray. He has reportedly struggled in New Orleans, suffered an Achilles tear, and publicly criticized the organization last offseason. With the recent drafting of Jeremiah Fears as their potential point guard of the future, Murray’s $30 million annual salary for the next two seasons represents a significant financial burden. Splitting this into multiple smaller, less cumbersome contracts, similar to Dallas’s previous move with Kristaps Porziņģis, would be appealing for New Orleans.
For the Mavericks, taking on Murray’s contract aligns with their rebuild strategy. By the time the team is ready to contend, his contract would either be expiring, making him a trade asset, or off the books entirely, potentially clearing cap space for the 2028 summer before Flagg’s rookie extension. This move offers a low-risk, potentially high-reward scenario: a free look at a former All-Star for whom the Pelicans paid two first-round picks and Dyson Daniels two summers prior. If Murray performs poorly, the impact on Dallas’s long-term plans is minimal. The Mavericks could even opt to hold him out for the remainder of the season to protect their tank and ensure his health for next year, while freeing up roster spots for developmental signings. If he regains form, Dallas acquires a valuable asset effectively for free.
This trade, as structured, is currently technically illegal for Dallas due to being above the first apron and unable to take in more salary than they send out. The salary gap is minimal (approximately $600,000) and could be resolved by integrating this into a larger trade or by Dallas falling below the first apron through other transactions, such as the Anthony Davis deal.
Trade 6: Dallas Gets a High-Upside Swap
Nuggets acquire: Naji Marshall
Mavericks acquire: Zeke Nnaji, 2031 first-round swap (via Nuggets)
This scenario highlights how certain contracts impact teams differently based on their financial position. Zeke Nnaji’s contract, while not exorbitant, is a multi-year deal. For an expensive team like the Denver Nuggets, an $8 million annual commitment to a player receiving limited minutes is a significant burden. For the rebuilding Mavericks, however, such a contract would be less impactful.
This is a straightforward transaction. The Nuggets would convert an underutilized player into Naji Marshall, a solid wing defender who provides forward depth, particularly if Cam Johnson’s shooting struggles persist. The Mavericks would acquire Nnaji and, more importantly, a potentially valuable 2031 first-round swap from the Nuggets. This swap, deep in the future, could prove highly beneficial if Nikola Jokić is retired or diminished by then. Marshall, as an affordable wing who can defend and contribute offensively, is expected to generate significant interest from contenders.
Trade 7: Finishing Up the Exercise
Kings acquire: D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy
Mavericks acquire: Dennis Schröder
The final two players on the Mavericks’ roster, Jaden Hardy and D’Angelo Russell, present unique trade challenges. Hardy’s development has reportedly plateaued after a promising start, while Russell consistently faces tepid interest in trade markets each offseason. Realistically, any deal involving these players would likely involve swapping "problem" contracts or players with underperforming value.
The prospect of Dallas acquiring Dennis Schröder’s three-year contract is not inherently appealing. Rarely does a team seek to be the ninth employer for a player in a five-year span. Schröder’s start in Sacramento has been poor this season. However, he has historically thrived in systems where he is given significant ball-handling responsibilities, as evidenced by his strong performance in Detroit. Despite his size, he remains a useful defender. Dallas could potentially acquire him, attempt to rehabilitate his value, and then move him later in his contract. In this trade, Schröder represents the most impactful player, albeit with the most challenging contract.
For the Sacramento Kings, this trade offers an exit from a contract they recently issued. While Schröder’s early performance has been underwhelming, Russell offers a better fit alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis due to his shooting and superior pick-and-roll playmaking. If defensive considerations are deprioritized, Russell’s offensive attributes align more closely with Sacramento’s current roster construction. Similar to the Dejounte Murray trade, this transaction would require Dallas to address its first-apron restrictions and hard-cap space, necessitating either a larger, multi-team deal or prior salary-shedding moves. While a complete roster overhaul is unlikely, the Mavericks are expected to explore numerous trade opportunities beyond just Russell and Hardy.
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