In one of the boldest hypothetical trades of the NBA offseason, ESPN’s Zach Kram proposed a blockbuster move that would send the No. 1 overall pick, presumed to be Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, from the Dallas Mavericks to the San Antonio Spurs, creating a generational pairing with Victor Wembanyama.
The proposal, which immediately stirred up social media and front office chatter, is centered around the idea of reviving the “Twin Towers” dominance the Spurs once had with Tim Duncan and David Robinson, this time with the modern-day equivalents in Flagg and Wemby.
Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: 2025 No. 1 Pick
Dallas Mavericks Receive: 2025 No. 2 Pick, 2025 No. 14 Pick, 2027 Atlanta Hawks’ First Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick Swap Rights (Returned to Mavericks)
The comparison Kram draws is to the 1993 draft, when the Orlando Magic sent top pick Chris Webber to Golden State for Penny Hardaway and three future first-round picks.
Like Webber, Flagg is a college megastar with franchise-altering upside, and the Spurs, who just missed out on winning the lottery, would be giving up a treasure trove to secure the crown jewel of this draft.
The Spurs Get A Generational Pairing
It’s easy to see why San Antonio would make the move. Wembanyama and Flagg together would form the most hyped frontcourt duo in decades, two 7-footers with elite mobility, shot-blocking, vision, and playmaking skills.
Wemby was already an offensive force and DPOY candidate in his second year; Flagg would add versatile scoring, secondary ballhandling, and a relentless motor to complement him. Their games are synergistic: Wemby inside, Flagg roaming on both ends. That duo could anchor the Spurs for the next 10–15 years.
This Is Another Big Gamble For The Mavericks
For the Mavericks, though, the deal would be an enormous gamble. After the controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers, Dallas is under immense pressure to nail this pick.
Cooper Flagg is seen as the team’s chance to stabilize after losing a generational superstar, and he has already expressed excitement about joining the Mavericks. The idea of passing up a clear No. 1 prospect, even for the No. 2 pick and several sweeteners, feels risky, if not reckless, especially given the franchise’s current scrutiny.
Flagg’s fit in Dallas also makes too much sense. He could start immediately at small forward alongside veterans like Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson, while the Mavericks remain competitive in the West.
His high basketball IQ, defensive chops, and scoring instincts would fill the void Luka left while giving Dallas a new identity centered around balance and depth.
The Mavericks Have Too Much To Lose By Not Taking Cooper Flagg
So while the idea of Flagg and Wembanyama in the same jersey is electrifying and undoubtedly appealing for the Spurs, the Mavericks would need an overwhelming reason to pass on their franchise-altering gift.
As it stands, it’s an outrageous trade idea, not because it lacks basketball logic, but because it dares to rewrite destiny.
