5 Dallas Mavericks Trade Targets to Rescue Cooper Flagg's Rookie NBA Season
Early November losses typically don't cause alarm. However, falling to the 2025-26 New Orleans Pelicans is a clear sign the Dallas Mavericks must act quickly. The team's offense ranks last in points scored per possession and near the bottom in effective field-goal percentage. Without internal upgrades, the struggles will persist.
D'Angelo Russell is not the answer, and while playing Cooper Flagg at point guard is an interesting experiment, it unfairly burdens the rookie with too much floor-general duty. The Mavericks are minus-61 this season when Flagg plays without a true point guard, posting an offensively painful rating.
Relying on Kyrie Irving's return from an ACL injury is not a viable plan. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, and the Western Conference leaves little room for error.
Trade Targets the Mavericks Should Consider
Here are five realistic yet ambitious players Dallas should pursue to improve their offense and support Flagg's development:
- Tyler Herro – He hasn’t played this season due to left ankle surgery. With solid performances from Norman Powell during his absence, Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s increased role, and Miami Heat’s decision not to extend Herro in October, the 25-year-old All-Star might be more attainable than previously thought.
"The Dallas Mavericks clearly need to make a trade if they want Cooper Flagg's rookie season to feature more than hollow-hearted moral victories."
General manager Nico Harrison is faced with a challenge that requires decisive reinforcement of the roster.
Other targets remain to be analyzed considering the Mavericks’ urgent need to boost offensive efficiency and reduce the stressful load on their rookie guard.
Author's summary: The Dallas Mavericks must upgrade their offense through timely trades to support Cooper Flagg’s rookie season and avoid a lost campaign.