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The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a surprising victory in Monday night's NBA Draft lottery, landing the No. 1 pick despite long-shot odds. The development gives general manager Nico Harrison a crucial opportunity to rebuild the franchise following Luka Doncic's high-profile trade to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this season. But now comes the bigger question-what's next?
The prevailing assumption is that Dallas will select Duke sensation Cooper Flagg, the highly coveted forward widely projected to be the top overall pick. Flagg's defensive versatility and elite playmaking ability make him an ideal building block for a team looking to reclaim competitiveness.
However, ESPN analyst Jay Williams floated an alternative idea on Get Up-trading the pick for an established superstar rather than drafting Flagg. Williams suggested the Mavericks could package the selection to acquire a franchise-altering talent such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker, or Tyrese Maxey. "If your championship window is in two to three years, could you utilize that pick and some assets to get somebody who's ready to contribute to you right now?" Williams asked.
A risky gamble to try and make bigger move
Trading the No. 1 pick would be an unconventional move, and not everyone agrees with Williams' proposal. His co-host Alan Hahn dismissed the idea, arguing that selecting Flagg would be a monumental opportunity Dallas shouldn't up.
Harrison, however, has never shied away from bold decisions. If the Mavericks opt to explore trade possibilities, they could set up a bidding war with contenders eager to add Flagg to their roster. Still, unless a superstar of Giannis' caliber is available, Dallas fans may be hesitant to accept another dramatic roster shakeup.
Dallas now holds significant leverage. They can publicly signal openness to trade offers to gauge the market while keeping Flagg as a safety net. With the draft approaching, Harrison's decision will be scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, as the franchise weighs its path forward in the post-Doncic era. Whether the Mavericks draft Flagg or cash in their pick for an established star, their next move will shape the team's trajectory for years to come.