3 Superstars The Dallas Mavericks Could Acquire By Trading No. 1 Overall Pick In 2025 NBA Draft

The Dallas Mavericks' improbable lottery win grants them the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While Cooper Flagg is the consensus choice, the opportunity to trade for a proven superstar could reshape the franchise's trajectory.

7 Min Read

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In a stunning turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, despite having just a 1.8% chance, a leap from the 11th slot to the top, marking the largest jump in NBA Draft Lottery history. Of course, this comes on the heels of a controversial trade of franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. 

The move was met with widespread criticism, leaving fans questioning the direction of the team. Now, with the top pick in hand, the Mavericks have a golden opportunity to redefine their future. 

While selecting Duke’s standout freshman Cooper Flagg, a versatile 6’9″ forward who averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, is the anticipated move, the allure of trading the pick for win-now superstars is still very possible. 

The Mavericks have superstar talent in Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, but moving the No. 1 pick (obviously Cooper Flagg) for a third superstar makes perfect sense if Dallas finds the right player. Luckily, we have three superstars whom the Mavs will strongly consider trading for. Let’s dive in.


1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.

Proposed Trade Details

Dallas Mavericks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington 

This blockbuster trade would bring Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, to Dallas, providing the Mavericks with a dominant force on both ends of the court. In the 2024-25 season, Giannis averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, showcasing his all-around excellence despite a challenging season for the Bucks.

His efficiency remained high, with a field goal percentage of 60.1%, ranking 39th in the NBA, which is incredible when looking at his offensive numbers as a whole. Pairing Giannis with Anthony Davis would create a formidable frontcourt, and it makes sense that The Greek Freak would consider moving to Dallas after reports have come out about his willingness to entertain leaving Milwaukee to compete for a championship. 

For the Bucks, acquiring Cooper Flagg, the projected top pick, offers a promising future. Flagg’s versatility and potential make him an ideal cornerstone for a rebuilding team. Adding veterans like Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington provides Milwaukee with experienced players who can contribute immediately. This trade allows the Bucks to reset while still remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference.

From a strategic standpoint, the Mavericks would be capitalizing on their unexpected lottery win by acquiring a proven superstar. Giannis’ desire to explore opportunities outside Milwaukee aligns with Dallas’ ambitions to return to championship contention. 


2. Devin Booker

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.

Proposed Trade Details

Dallas Mavericks Receive: Devin Booker, Ryan Dunn

Phoenix Suns Receive: Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington

Devin Booker, who is easily a top-two shooting guard in the NBA, averaged 25.6 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds over 75 games in the 2024-25 season. His ability to create shots and facilitate offense would provide the Mavericks with a dynamic backcourt presence. Booker’s experience and leadership could come into play alongside the other two superstar veterans in Dallas. 

The inclusion of Ryan Dunn adds a young, athletic wing with defensive upside (6.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG), complementing Dallas’ roster perfectly. For the Suns, acquiring Cooper Flagg offers a fresh start with a high-upside prospect. 

Flagg’s potential to develop into a franchise player makes him an attractive asset. Adding veterans like Thompson, Gafford, and Washington provides Phoenix with depth and flexibility.

This trade reflects a strategic shift for both teams. Dallas would be focusing on immediate success by adding an established star, while Phoenix would be embracing a retooling phase centered around youth and potential. The next move for the Suns would obviously be to move Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal next, although the latter won’t be as easy due to the player’s no-trade clause. 


3. Joel Embiid

Apr 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Proposed Trade Details

Dallas Mavericks Receive: Joel Embiid, 2031 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2031 Second-Round Pick (PHI)

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington

Joel Embiid, despite injury setbacks, is still one of the league’s premier centers when he is on the court. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 19 games. 

His presence in the paint would significantly bolster the Mavericks’ interior defense and scoring. However, concerns about his health persist, as he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April 2025.

For the 76ers, trading Embiid allows them to pivot towards a younger core. Cooper Flagg’s potential as a future star provides a foundation for rebuilding. The addition of seasoned players like Thompson, Gafford, and Washington offers immediate support and veteran leadership. This move could help Philadelphia reset and plan for long-term success around Tyrese Maxey. 

Dallas, by acquiring Embiid, would be taking a calculated risk, banking on his return to form. If healthy, Embiid’s impact could be transformative, elevating the Mavericks to contender status because a core of Kyrie, Davis, and Embiid would simply be unstoppable on both ends of the court. 

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

Share This Article
Eddie Bitar is a senior staff writer for Fadeaway World from Denver, Colorado. Since joining the team in 2017, Eddie has applied his academic background in economics and finance to enhance his sports journalism. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree from and later a Master's degree in Finance, he integrates statistical analysis into his articles. This unique approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of basketball through the lens of financial and economic concepts. Eddie's work has not only been a staple at Fadeaway World but has also been featured in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated. His ability to break down complex data and present it in an accessible way creates an engaging and informative way to visualize both individual and team statistics. From finding the top 3 point shooters of every NBA franchise to ranking players by cost per point, Eddie is constantly finding new angles to use historical data that other NBA analysts may be overlooking.
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *