Mavericks must avoid LaMelo Ball nightmare trade that would ruin Flagg's future

With the record the Dallas Mavericks currently have through 22 games, trading for Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball could be a move that the team could be tempted to make in an attempt to save this season and build around Cooper Flagg. However, Ball is a player the Mavericks don't need to waste their time trading for.

Because of the poor record the Hornets have had since drafting Ball, combined with his controversial playstyle and attitude, he's been in rumors to be traded by the team this season. There can be some interest from teams to trade for Ball thanks to his unreal playmaking and potential, but the Mavericks must stay away.

When making a point guard comparison, Ball's impact on the floor can be similar to that of Russell Westbrook. While they don't necessarily play alike, they have both always been criticized for the way they play, despite being walking highlight reels. Westbrook has been labeled as a selfish player for years, and that is where Ball has the similarity.

Mavericks trading for LaMelo Ball would jeopardize the Cooper Flagg era

Attitude is a major issue with Ball since he entered the league. At times, Ball focuses more on himself as the key player on offense and is perceived as a ball hog who only cares about highlight plays rather than winning. As a result, Ball's shooting percentage takes a major hit. This season, Ball is shooting below 38 percent from the field overall and under 29 percent from beyond the arc.

These are not numbers that you want from your superstar point guard. Especially if you're trying to win a title.

Along with his attitude, Ball's defense isn't the greatest either. Ball can be lackadaisical on that end of the floor and let ball handlers blow by him to score.

With issues on defense, his attitude, and playstyle, adding Ball would not benefit Flagg. Moving forward, Flagg is the future of Dallas, but if the team trades for the Hornets' star, Ball may want the offense to be all about him. However, that isn't how Flagg plays, and the Mavericks shouldn't risk having Ball's bad habits rub off on him.

Flagg has been playing the right way this season by being a team-first guy at all times. He always makes the extra pass when needed and has made winning his No. 1 priority, but the same can't be said about Ball. He is in his sixth season in the NBA, and he has yet to play in a playoff game.

Ball would not be the right player to play alongside Flagg based on their style of play. At times, Flagg has let his game be the center of the offense and hunt his own shot, but the Mavericks need to see the rookie show plenty of first-year improvement and show off his game rather than take a backseat to a ball-dominant point guard. So far, Flagg has done that by being one of the few bright spots within a brutal Mavericks season.

Another issue with Ball is the high value that the Hornets could have for him. Ball can easily be worth multiple first-round draft picks and a few players in the Hornets' eyes. With the Mavericks not owning their first-round draft pick (after this season) until 2031, trading away future first-round draft capital may not be the best idea. They'd likely be forced to trade Anthony Davis in a move for Ball (probably a multi-team trade), and there are much better options on the open market than an injury-prone Ball.

The Mavericks have already been in some serious trade rumors this season, but they shouldn't let the temptation to trade for LaMelo Ball seep into what they have going on. Dallas should do whatever it takes to build around Cooper Flagg and put the best roster around him to succeed, and trading for a player who doesn't care about winning and doesn't defend is the last thing that they should do.