The Dallas Mavericks are once again involved in a blockbuster deal in the NBA. A central message is being sent through the departure of Anthony Davis.
It has been just over a year since NBA insider Shams Charania stirred up the basketball world with news of arguably the most spectacular trade in history. The Dallas Mavericks sent their franchise player and superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, a first-round pick and Anthony Davis, among others, moved to Dallas.
A year later, much has changed in Dallas. Not much is left of “winning in the present” and General Manager Nico Harrison. Instead, Cooper Flagg is a new face on the front pages of Texas newspapers.
The fans of the Dallas Mavericks heavily protested against the trade of Luka Doncic
And yet, the momentous mega-trade involving Doncic now has another twist. Because just under a year later, the Davis chapter in Dallas is also history.
Dallas Mavericks are rebuilding again
The Mavs sent the big man – who had transformed from a championship hope to injury-related unreliability in person – to the trade deadline along with Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards.
In return, Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, as well as two first-round and three second-round picks came to Dallas.
In the current season, the 32-year-old Davis was plagued by injuries: Although he scored 20.4 points per game, he only played in 20 of the 50 season games. He is currently also suffering from a ligament injury in his left hand.
With the trade, the Mavs unofficially finally admit what many fans immediately feared. The now ingloriously departed Harrison completely gambled away his Doncic idea. With Davis’ departure, the fiasco is complete, as the team no longer has any real chances of winning.
NBA title? Dallas raises the white flag
Not for the moment, at least. But what does the future hold for Dirk Nowitzki’s former team?
“The Dallas Mavericks are officially raising the white flag (…). The Davis trade is a sign that the team is officially in transition.”
“There’s no point crying over spilled milk, and the Mavs should be grateful to have another potential superstar in Flagg.”
“The trade is a big step for Dallas to make Cooper Flagg the next face of the franchise after Doncic.”
Draft Capital Needed
Another issue plays a central role for the Texas team: The salary savings of around 120 million dollars are likely to benefit the Mavs after Davis’ departure. The formula for future success is clear: A strong team is to be built around Flagg in the coming years.
The Mavs also deliberately chose the timing of the trade. The savings from Davis’ salary avoided high luxury tax payments.
For a successful future, draft capital is primarily needed, of which the Mavs currently possess little and which is to be accumulated in the coming years.
Short-term investments in the roster to utilize Flagg’s rookie contract would therefore likely be a big mistake: “Trying to peak with Flagg at age 20 makes far less sense than accumulating players on his timeline to replace the draft picks Dallas has already lost.”
NBA: What happens with Irving?
A trade of the last remaining superstar Kyrie Irving is also not ruled out: “The same could apply to Irving once the Mavericks are ready to make that move.” It therefore remains to be seen how the Mavs’ management envisions Irving’s future.
One thing is clear, however: Cooper Flagg is to be built up and shaped into the new face of the franchise in the coming years. However, should a call come from Los Angeles regarding a trade offer, one should probably hang up quickly.