Dallas Basketball

Mavs deal Cooper Flagg for disgruntled $192 million star in trade proposal

The Dallas Mavericks could take Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick, but they could also trade him for a superstar.

Jeremy Brener

Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg reacts as he heads to the bench during the second half.
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg reacts as he heads to the bench during the second half. / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
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The Dallas Mavericks hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, but they could turn that selection into a superstar with a simple trade.

Fadeaway World writer Eddie Bitar suggested a deal that would send the top selection to the Philadelphia 76ers along with Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington for Joel Embiid and two 2031 draft picks.

READ MORE: Mavericks champion draws comparison to young Warriors forward

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Embiid to the Mavs?

"Joel Embiid, despite injury setbacks, is still one of the league's premier centers when he is on the court. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 19 games," Bitar wrote.

"His presence in the paint would significantly bolster the Mavericks' interior defense and scoring. However, concerns about his health persist, as he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April 2025.

"For the 76ers, trading Embiid allows them to pivot towards a younger core. Cooper Flagg's potential as a future star provides a foundation for rebuilding. The addition of seasoned players like Thompson, Gafford, and Washington offers immediate support and veteran leadership. This move could help Philadelphia reset and plan for long-term success around Tyrese Maxey.

"Dallas, by acquiring Embiid, would be taking a calculated risk, banking on his return to form. If healthy, Embiid's impact could be transformative, elevating the Mavericks to contender status because a core of Kyrie, Davis, and Embiid would simply be unstoppable on both ends of the court."

The trade would be a massive risk for the Mavs, but if Embiid returns to form after his knee surgery, Dallas would have one of the best trios in the NBA.

Given the fact that Kyrie Irving is dealing with his torn ACL recovery, the Mavs may not want to take a chance on a player with another extensive injury, but the idea of pairing Embiid with Anthony Davis in the frontcourt is an intriguing one.

READ MORE: Ex-Maverick, UNC national champion, leaves retirement to sign new professional deal

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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