5 Dallas Mavericks Trade Targets to Save Cooper Flagg's Rookie NBA Season
Early November losses usually do not cause panic, but when the 2025-26 Dallas Mavericks fall to the New Orleans Pelicans, it is reason for concern. The Mavericks need a trade to help Cooper Flagg's rookie season avoid becoming just a series of hollow moral victories.
The focus must be on improving the offense. Dallas ranks last in points per possession and near the bottom in effective field-goal percentage. Currently, there are no internal solutions to this problem.
D'Angelo Russell is not the answer.
Using Flagg at point guard is an interesting experiment, but it's unfair to give him too much playmaking responsibility so early. The Mavericks are minus-61 this season when Flagg plays without a point guard, suffering through an offensively poor rating.
Waiting on Kyrie Irving's return from an ACL injury is not practical. His comeback timeline is uncertain, and with tight margins in the Western Conference, the team cannot afford to delay improvements.
With that in mind, here are five attainable yet ambitious trade targets the Mavericks should consider. Tyler Herro, recovering from left ankle surgery, has not played this season. Given Norman Powell's rise, Jaime Jaquez Jr.'s increased role, the addition of Kasparas Jakučionis, and the Miami Heat's decision not to extend Herro in October, the 25-year-old All-Star might be more accessible than previously thought.
Key Points
- Mavericks need offensive upgrades amid poor scoring efficiency.
- D'Angelo Russell and Cooper Flagg at point guard roles have limitations.
- Kyrie Irving's uncertain return timeline calls for immediate action.
- Tyler Herro is a potential trade target due to Miami Heat's roster shifts.
Any move must upgrade the offense.
Author's summary: The Dallas Mavericks must actively seek trades to strengthen their offense and support Cooper Flagg's rookie year, as current options and injuries leave the team's future uncertain.
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