The Dallas Mavericks caused a stir after they unexpectedly traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline. While they paired Anthony Davis with Kyrie Irving, many fans believed Doncic gave them a better chance to compete for championships.
The Mavericks finished the regular season in 10th (39-43), which resulted in a pair of play-in tournament matchups. They couldnât make it past the Memphis Grizzlies, who took the No. 8 seed in the West. After Kyrie Irvingâs season was cut short due to an ACL injury and Davis struggled to stay healthy, the Mavericks are now working to get back stronger in the 2025-26 season.
While many were still lamenting Luka Doncicâs move to Los Angeles, the Mavs found more reasons to believe they can be competitive for many years. They won the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, which gives them access to draft Duke superstar Cooper Flagg, one of the most hyped prospects in recent years.
Mavericks executive raves about potentially landing Cooper Flagg
This possibility excites plenty of people within the franchise. Matt Riccardi, assistant general manager of Dallas, didnât hide his excitement when discussing how impactful it would be to have a player of Flaggâs caliber. During a conversation with the âTake Dat With Youâ podcast, Riccardi didnât mince words.

Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils
âI would say, more than anything, it makes the [championship] window 20 years instead of three⊠Weâre trying to win it every single year and the guys that we have, we felt like before this draft lottery, that we had a good enough team to win a championship. Now we get the chance to add the number one pick to this? Weâre ecstatic for that, but itâs business as usual for us and whoever we get, which the kid from Duke, as youâve mentioned, youâre bringing in someone thatâs won everywhere heâs been,â he said.

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Nico Harrison might have been given a lifeline after the draft lottery. Mavs fans were anything but happy with the general manager over the Doncic trade. Then again, if they can bring another championship with their renewed core, all the hate heâs gotten in the last few months will likely end.
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