Cooper Flagg's development is taking a major leap, and a potential trade for Kawhi Leonard could make the Dallas Mavericks a sneaky destination.
What's the Trade Talk?
The Mavericks have had talks with the Los Angeles Clippers about a Leonard trade, according to The Athletic, with a deal that would send the seven-time All-Star to Dallas for a package including P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft picks.
Why it Matters for Cooper Flagg
Joe Johnson, a seven-time NBA All-Star, reacted to this rumor on the "Night Cap" podcast, hyping up Leonard, Irving, and Flagg as a formidable trio. Johnson said, "I think Kawhi still has a lot of great basketball left in him."
What Comes Next?
Leonard enters the final season of his three-year, $149.5 million deal this fall, making $50.3 million in 2026-27 before entering unrestricted free agency next summer. The Mavericks likely wouldn’t need to give up as much draft capital and young prospects as some fans might think.
The Mavericks just hired Masai Ujiri as its president of basketball operations, who pulled off a blockbuster trade for Leonard when he was running the Toronto Raptors. However, a Leonard-to-Dallas trade is unlikely, according to NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Ujiri said, "We have a 19-year-old generational player on our roster. We have to think that way. We are not going to make decisions based on winning today." This statement suggests that the Mavericks may prioritize Cooper Flagg's development over a potential trade for Leonard.
And the risk of injury is a concern, as Leonard's history of knee injuries at 35 years old should absolutely concern the Mavericks. It's unclear if Leonard would be willing to sign an extension in Dallas, meaning he could be a one-year rental.
So the Mavericks must weigh the potential benefits of a Leonard trade against the risks. Cooper Flagg's development and Kyrie Irving's return are key factors in this decision, as the team looks to build a strong roster for the future.
The Athletic reported that the Mavericks have expressed trade interest in Leonard, but sources with knowledge of the talks told The Stein Line that Dallas is not currently regarded as a plausible trade destination.
Leonard is coming off a career-best scoring season, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per contest. This impressive performance makes him an attractive target for the Mavericks, but the team must consider the potential risks and benefits of a trade.
Cooper Flagg's future is a key consideration in this decision, as the Mavericks look to build a strong roster around their young star. The team's decision will depend on their priorities and how they weigh the potential benefits of a Leonard trade against the risks.