By prioritizing frontcourt size over backcourt depth, Dallas may pivot to the trade market to pair Cooper Flagg with Portland’s explosive young playmaker for their future.
The Dallas Mavericks surprised plenty of observers during the 2026 NBA Draft by passing on the opportunity to add a guard. Instead of addressing what many considered one of their biggest needs, the front office selected Morez Johnson Jr., reinforcing its commitment to building a versatile, physical roster around Cooper Flagg.
That decision has only fueled speculation that Dallas could look to fill its backcourt hole through the trade market instead.
In Bleacher Report's ranking of every team's top trade and free agency targets following the draft, one of the names connected to the Mavericks was Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson.
While Henderson hasn't fully lived up to the lofty expectations that came with being the No. 3 overall pick in 2023, the former G League Ignite standout still possesses the talent that made him one of the most highly regarded guard prospects in recent memory.
For Dallas, the fit makes plenty of sense.
The Mavericks entered the draft with many analysts projecting them to select a lead guard who could grow alongside Flagg. Instead, they doubled down on adding size and frontcourt depth, leaving an obvious opening at point guard. Kyrie Irving is currently in that spot, but he does not have as many years left as he would like.
Henderson had a solid third season in the league despite playing in just 30 games due to injury. He averaged 14 points per game on 42 percent from the field and 35 percent from three, which is solid considering he took a back seat to first time All-Star Deni Avdija.
And now that the Blazers are trading for Memphis' Ja Morant? Henderson seems that much more gettable.
Of course, any potential trade would come with risk.
Dallas chose not to invest its lottery pick in a guard, signaling confidence that it can address the position another way. Henderson could fit that approach, as he is young enough to develop alongside Flagg while already possessing valuable NBA experience that no incoming rookie could match.
Pairing Flagg with a talented young point guard like Henderson could accelerate the team's rebuild without sacrificing its long-term vision.
