SerpApi.Org
The Dallas Mavericks are not done reshaping their roster this offseason. According to NBA Insider Evan Sidery, the franchise is very open to trading veterans Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford as it looks to create more opportunities for its young core around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
“The Mavericks are very open to trading Klay Thompson, PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford in order to clear more minutes for their young core around Cooper Flagg.”
The Mavericks are also one of several teams waiting for LeBron James‘ free agency decision before the trade market fully opens. They are not in the race for LeBron, but are waiting for him to make a decision before the trade market gets moving again.
The biggest focus is obviously Cooper Flagg. After selecting the generational forward with the No. 1 overall pick, the Mavericks have made it clear that they want to build around him. His rookie season was fantastic, as he averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 46.8% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range, winning the Rookie of the Year Award.
After seeing this, the Mavericks want to give Flagg and the other young stars on the roster, like Zaccharie Risacher,Max Christie, and Santi Aldama, more playing time. That means moving away from established veterans.
Among the three names, Klay Thompson is the biggest star. The four-time NBA champion averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists last season while shooting 39.3% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range. His production is no longer close to his All-Star days, but he still remains one of the best shooters in the league.
Klay is entering the final season of his contract, where he will make $17.4 million. That makes him a valuable piece on an expiring deal. His future has already generated plenty of rumors.
The Golden State Warriors are linked to a possible reunion with their franchise legend. The Miami Heat have also been linked with Thompson, as they are looking to add shooters. Buyout rumors have emerged as well, but the Mavericks would prefer to trade him before considering that route.
P.J. Washington could emerge as one of the most attractive forwards on the market.
Washington averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 45.0% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range. He is a valuable two-way forward capable of stretching the floor and defending multiple positions.
But his new four-year, $88.7 million extension begins next season, and that could cause some teams to avoid going all out for him.
Daniel Gafford is another player who is expected to garner strong interest.
The center averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while shooting an outstanding 65.5% from the field. He is an elite rim protector, a great lob threat, and has developed into one of the NBA’s reliable starting centers.
His three-year, $54.3 million extension also begins next season, making him another player on a long-term contract. A few teams have been connected to Gafford, including the Warriors, while he has also been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers.
For the Mavericks, these moves are less about rebuilding and more about accelerating Flagg’s development. They appear eager to give their prized rookie and other young talents larger roles.
Whether any deals happen depends on the rest of the offseason, especially the impending LeBron James free agency decision, which is holding up much of the NBA market. Once that decision is made, the Mavericks could be one of the busiest teams in the league as they continue to build a roster designed around Cooper Flagg’s future.
