Mavericks Trade Idea Lands Team Star Point Guard for the Future
Dec 2, 2025
The Dallas Mavericks should make some moves before this season is over. It is clear that their current roster isn’t going to be able to compete for an NBA title this season. They need to shift their strategy to one that builds around Cooper Flagg.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report recently proposed a Mavericks trade idea that would make the Mavericks younger and get them a point guard to pair with Cooper Flagg.
“Dallas Mavericks Receive:
PG LaMelo Ball (from Hornets)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
G/F Klay Thompson (from Mavs)
C Daniel Gafford (from Mavs)
Charlotte Hornets Receive:
SG Max Christie (from Mavs)
F Rui Hachimura (from Lakers)
F Dalton Knecht (from Lakers)
PG Gabe Vincent (from Lakers)
2029 first-round pick (unprotected via Lakers from Mavericks)”
Yes, this trade looks pretty damn good for the Mavericks. They get a star point guard who is on a similar timeline to Flagg, and don’t have to give up much in the process. However, that is where the problem with this trade starts.
The Charlotte Hornets would be fools to give up on LaMelo Ball for this poo poo platter of assets. Besides maybe Max Christie, none of the players they would get in this trade project would be difference makers in any way.
Some may say, “But what about the first-round pick?” Sure, they are getting an unprotected pick from the Lakers, but that isn’t all that valuable now that they have Luka Doncic. In 2029, the Lakers should still have Luka, meaning they should still be a competitive playoff team.
So, while it would be nice for the Mavericks to grab a player like Ball to help start their rebuild for the future, this isn’t the package that is going to get it done.
