The Dallas Mavericks are expected to get busy before the NBA trade deadline, and one mock deal has them land an established star who better fits Cooper Flagg's timeline.
Across the entire NBA, perhaps no team has been included in more trade rumors this season than the Dallas Mavericks.
Between Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, and Klay Thompson, the Mavericks boast enough veteran talent to help propel their rebuild, provided they swap their stars for the right trade package.
With the 2026 NBA Draft a surefire way for Dallas to add top talent, future-driven trades seem to be the main priority. While Ja Morant isn't necessarily an "on the rise" player anymore, he fills a position of need and better fits the Mavs' timeline than Irving.
However, he is not without major concerns and issues.
Mock Trade Sends Morant to Mavericks
The Athletic's Zach Harper concoted a deal that would send Irving, Max Christie, and Dante Exum to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Morant and John Konchar.
This season, Morant has been injured on and off, although he is still averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists, respectable numbers and a boost over the point guard play the Mavericks currently enjoy.
Adding an established point guard seems to be the best way for the Mavericks to maximize Flagg, and any defensive shortcomings Morant has could be masked easily by Flagg, Dereck Lively II, and possible draft picks like Cameron Boozer or AJ Dybantsa.
There is hope that a disgruntled Morant would find a second wind after a change of scenery, although he has a reputation for being generally difficult. To be fair, so did Irving, and the Mavericks were able to rein that in. Morant has made it clear he dislikes playing for head coach Tuomas Iisalo, and if anyone can get the most out of him, it would be Jason Kidd.
Keep in mind, Kidd is one of the best point guards in NBA history.
Even if the Mavericks get total buy-in from Morant, there are still major concerns. Namely, the injuries. Morant's athleticism seems to be on the decline already. Maybe he'll return to form after a restful offseason? Is that a gamble the Mavericks should be willing to take?
As Dallas prepares for an "organic tank," adding a proven point guard seems to be the best way out. On top of that, Morant won't drag the Mavericks out of the draft lottery, so they will be able to add more pieces in the offseason.
Is it worth the risk? That's up to the front office to decide.