MAVERICKS DEAL COOPER FLAGG TO IN-STATE RIVAL FOR GUARD HELP IN BLOCKBUSTER TRADE PROPOSAL
In one of the most shocking trade proposals to surface this NBA offseason, the Dallas Mavericks are rumored to be considering sending young phenom Cooper Flagg to their in-state rivals, the Houston Rockets, in a bold move aimed at addressing their backcourt depth and long-term guard needs.
Though still only a proposal and far from official, the hypothetical trade package would send Flagg, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick and highly touted prospect out of Maine, to the Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, veteran guard Fred VanVleet, and a future first-round pick.
The idea has sparked intense debate among fans, analysts, and insiders alike. The Mavericks, fresh off an impressive run to the NBA Finals, are clearly in win-now mode, and this proposal underscores their willingness to sacrifice future potential in pursuit of a championship window alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
WHY THE MAVERICKS WOULD CONSIDER THIS
Cooper Flagg is widely seen as a franchise cornerstone — a 6’9” forward with elite instincts, defensive versatility, and a growing offensive skill set. However, with Dončić and Irving commanding most of the offensive workload, there are legitimate questions about how quickly Flagg could be integrated into a contending core that doesn’t have time to wait for development.
By adding Jalen Green, a 22-year-old explosive scorer with All-Star potential, and VanVleet, a steady veteran floor general, Dallas would significantly bolster its guard rotation. Green brings athleticism and dynamic scoring, while VanVleet offers championship pedigree, leadership, and reliable playmaking. Pairing them with Luka gives the Mavericks arguably the deepest backcourt in the Western Conference.
The first-round pick from Houston sweetens the deal, helping the Mavericks recoup future assets after moving Flagg.
WHY THE ROCKETS WOULD DO IT
Houston has been gradually rebuilding around young talent like Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün, and Jalen Green. However, the team struggled with consistency throughout 2024 and missed the playoffs despite adding veterans like VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.
Dealing Green and VanVleet for Flagg would signal a clear shift toward a long-term, defensively focused identity. Flagg could immediately slot into the Rockets’ starting lineup as a forward with elite defensive instincts, and his high basketball IQ would complement the raw athleticism of Houston’s other young stars.
The Rockets would likely view Flagg as a foundational piece — a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate with offensive upside that fits modern NBA schemes. Losing Green hurts, but if they’re not fully committed to his development as a lead scorer, this trade may offer a more balanced and promising future.
REACTION FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE
While the deal remains speculative, reactions have been intense.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst called the idea “wild, but not impossible,” noting the Mavericks’ history of aggressive front office decisions. “This would be a ‘win now, worry later’ move,” Windhorst said. “But they’d better win soon, because giving up a talent like Cooper Flagg could haunt them.”
Former Mavericks center Tyson Chandler chimed in on social media, saying: “If this goes down, it’s a HUGE risk. Flagg is a future All-Star. I get wanting to help Luka, but don’t mortgage the future.”
Meanwhile, Rockets fans are split. Many are excited about the idea of adding a defensive anchor like Flagg, while others worry the team is giving up too much in terms of established guard talent.
ANALYSIS: WHO WINS THE DEAL?
If the trade actually happens, the verdict will depend heavily on timing and performance.
For the Mavericks, the move makes sense only if Green develops into a consistent 20+ PPG scorer and VanVleet stays healthy. Anything less, and the loss of Flagg could set the franchise back for years once Luka’s prime begins to fade.
For the Rockets, the deal hinges on Flagg’s development. If he becomes the player many project — a dominant two-way forward with leadership and intangibles — then Houston might be landing their next franchise face.
Ultimately, this is a classic risk-reward trade: Dallas bets on the present, while Houston gambles on the future.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
For now, this remains a proposal — not an actual negotiation. But the mere fact that such a blockbuster idea is being discussed speaks volumes about how much pressure exists on both franchises to evolve.
The Mavericks can’t afford to waste Luka’s prime years. Meanwhile, the Rockets must decide if their current core is good enough or if it’s time to go all-in on a player with superstar upside.
If the deal ever comes to life, it would be one of the most seismic trades in recent NBA history — not just for the Texas rivalry, but for the direction of two ambitious franchises.
Stay tuned.
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