The Dallas Mavericks made building around Cooper Flagg the top priority this winter, and they doubled down on their long-term goals.
The Dallas Mavericks were expected to get busy at the NBA trade deadline, and they did not disappoint. They dealt Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, and then re-routed some of their incoming assets to the Charlotte Hornets for Tyus Jones.
All in all, last week went about as expected for the Mavericks, although they could have done a lot more. While Davis was the main subject of trade rumors and speculation before the deadline, Naji Marshall, Max Christie, Daniel Gafford, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson were all expected to fetch some value.
Instead of trading them, the Mavericks have made it clear that Mashall and Christie especially, are key players for them moving forward.
Cooper Flagg Emerges as Sole Priority
At the start of the season, the Mavericks were attempting to copy the Golden State Warriors' "two timeline" approach. Much like the Warriors, the Mavericks fizzled out. Unlike the Warriors, they embraced youth.
By flipping Davis to Washington, the Mavericks signalled that they are all-in on their young core. Of course, Flagg is front and center of their future plans, although Marshall and Christie are seen as key supporting figures.
“We really like them as players," co-general manager Matt Riccardi told The Dallas Morning News. "We think they fit really well around Cooper, but most importantly, those guys embody what we want in the organization. We love what they bring to the table, both on and off the court, and their personalities. They’re Dallas Maverick players.”
Dallas' identity starts and ends with Flagg, who is "tough," "unselfish," high-IQ," and "a hard-nosed defender." If you fill that criteria, there will be a spot for you in Dallas.
“We want guys that embody what [Flagg] embodies,” Riccardi added. "Those are the guys that win in this league. Those are the guys that have success.”
After attempting to juggle Davis and playoff hopes, the Mavericks fully embraced the future, getting rid of any plans to be halfway decent this season. For fans, it was the best move possible, and a necessary one to allow the organization to finally move past the Luka Doncic trade.
The Mavericks are due for a reset, and with Flagg leading the way, things are looking up.