Mavericks must steal Thunder's cheat code to success to give Flagg what he needs

The Dallas Mavericks organization and their fan base have endured serious heartbreak and pain over the past year, and the only way to find future success is by tanking and prioritizing their spot in the lottery this summer. It's the harsh reality no franchise wants to hear, but it has proven to work for numerous teams, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 2025 NBA Champions.

The Thunder learned a valuable lesson by tanking. They endured consecutive losing seasons after the departure of Russell Westbrook, but eventually found success through the draft. Most of their core consists of players that they drafted, and this has helped turn them into one of the most unstoppable teams in the NBA.

This resurgence in Oklahoma City all started when they acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Paul George trade. The Thunder didn't win a single playoff series during Gilgeous-Alexander's first four seasons with the team. However, Oklahoma recognized the need to establish a positive support system around the 2025 MVP.

Mavericks have to copy the Thunder's tanking blueprint

So, they endured three consecutive losing seasons (or tanked), and the group found new success in the draft. OKC was able to find Gilgeous-Alexander's co-stars in the draft, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

They were then able to form one of the top young trios in the league by rebuilding for a few years. It's a strategy that the Mavs should take note of for the rest of this season and heading into the 2026 NBA Draft.

Remember, Dallas tanked at the end of the 2022-23 season in hopes of retaining their top-10 protected pick. It's a plan that worked in the Mavs' favor, as they were able to draft Dereck Lively II. They would not have been able to get Lively II if they hadn't tanked that season.

So, the Mavs have seen the benefits of tanking firsthand. It's a strategy that no fan hopes to face, as they are forced to watch their team endure mediocrity. Yet, if the team wants to find success in the future, it starts with tanking. It's the one way they can retool their roster by drafting an amazing young player to pair with Cooper Flagg.

As mentioned, the Thunder found enormous success by enduring a short rebuild. It helped them form one of the best young teams in the league, as they established themselves as a top dynasty in the NBA without spending big in free agency. Ultimately, their ability to tank also led them to win their first NBA Championship last season.

The tanking footprint could work for the Dallas Mavericks. The team has already made it clear they want to prioritize Flagg for the future. It's been established that Flagg and Kyrie Irving are the two players who are untouchable in trades, and the Mavs are ready to kick off a new era.

Plus, the team has made it clear that they are entertaining offers for Anthony Davis. This again makes it clear that this is Flagg's team.

So, if the Mavs hope to become contenders in the future, then it all starts with building around Flagg. The best way to build for the future is by acquiring young, talented players, similar to the Thunder.

Remember, Dallas owns their 2026 first-round draft pick. However, after this year, everything is out of their control. So, why not go out and acquire another potential young star in the making? Plus, there is a good chance the Mavs will go into next season with a healthy Kyrie Irving.

Basically, Dallas can go into next season with a healthy squad that is ready to compete for a playoff spot. Who knows, maybe they can get lucky and have a chance at the No. 1 pick again.