Flagg's shocking Mavericks revelation just saved Anthony Davis from being traded

Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks have begun outlining their plans for the offseason. One thing they mentioned was their preference to maintain their core of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, as they hope to keep both players out of a trade when pursuing a guard. Both players made an immediate impact in the 2023-24 season after they arrived, as they helped the team advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. So, it's obvious why Dallas wouldn't want to get rid of them.


This, though, might not be good news for Anthony Davis. Dallas already has an abundance of forwards and centers, so it's possible he could be the odd man out. Harrison has deep ties to Davis, making a trade seem extremely unlikely before getting to see him play a full season, but we've seen crazier things. He isn't afraid to move on from someone when they aren't working out. Mavs Nation is aware of his power and understands he will do whatever it takes to win.

However, the idea of Davis getting traded may have just been put to rest. Recently, expected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg visited Dallas on Tuesday and Wednesday. He had dinner with members of the organization and also participated in a workout at the Mavericks' practice facility on the following day. Flagg's skillet and attributes may have saved Dallas from doing the unthinkable and trading away Davis.

Flagg's shooting will save Davis from becoming trade bait

The main highlight from Flagg's trip was his time in court on Wednesday. Flagg exceeded expectations in his workout. Sources told our own Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban how Flagg shot the ball "insanely well." In simple terms, he dazzled in front of many Mavericks staffers, as Flagg did better than anyone expected.

As mentioned, Flagg's "unreal" workout and talents did Davis a favor. Flagg's ability to shoot the ball well may take the team to the next level. Recently, some ideas suggested that Flagg may not be a proper fit next to Davis and Dereck Lively II/Daniel Gafford due to his inability to space the floor. His sensational workout, though, may have changed that narrative.

Flagg's ability to shoot the ball is nothing new. In his only season at Duke, Flagg shot 48.1 percent overall and 38.5 percent from behind the arc. Flagg showed flashes of his shooting during his final college game. For example, he scored 27 points against Houston in Duke's Final Four matchup, while shooting 42.1 percent overall and 75 percent from the 3-point line.

His best shooting performance came against Notre Dame on January 11. Flagg missed three of his 14 attempts overall and went 4-6 from the 3-point line. He also added six rebounds and seven assists.

So, assuming Flagg continues to shoot well, then Dallas will have one of the top offenses next season. His high shooting will allow the Mavs to open up the offense and place Flagg in multiple positions. Flagg's presence could allow Davis and Lively II to dominate inside and find Flagg on the perimeter or on the wing for the perfect shot. Flagg will also open up opportunities for the Mavs' bigs inside.

Not to mention, Flagg is also a terrific passer. Recently. Flagg jumped on a podcast and stated how he loves to throw lobs. This could work to the Mavs' advantage, as Dallas excelled in pick-and-roll situations when Luka Doncic was at the helm. Doncic and the Mavs' centers had terrific lob games, as this is something that could do well with Flagg.

Flagg was a terrific passer in college and excelled with former Duke teammate Khaman Maluach at center. The Blue Devils' duo had a terrific connection that was unmatched. So, imagine Flagg having that same connection, but with Lively II and Gafford. If he can develop an early chemistry with his new teammates, then the sky is the limit for the Mavs' offense.

So, in simple terms, Flagg's talents have saved Davis from possibly getting booted. The Mavs desperately needed a wing to help space the floor alongside Davis and Lively II. Flagg needs to remain a consistent shooter for things not to go south, and he has already begun to prove that he will be the perfect fit in Dallas.

The Mavs desperately need more shooting next season, especially with them prioritizing double-big lineups, and Flagg looks like he should be able to help Dallas out in that way.

Now, all the Mavs need to do is create a terrific team chemistry dynamic between Cooper Flagg and his new teammates. If Flagg can live up to the hype, then the Dallas Mavericks could become one of the top passing teams in the league. Plus, Anthony Davis may be able to reutilize his career with Flagg by his side. All that's missing is a healthy Kyrie Irving for things to work out.