Mavericks' next blockbuster trade idea is clear before the season even begins

Defense has been a key to help the Dallas Mavericks turn into a contending team. Nico Harrison has shown that with the trades he's made since 2024, as he is clearly prioritizing defense and size.

The Mavericks traded for Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the 2024 trade deadline, which was a major factor in the Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals. This past February, Harrison was able to acquire Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Luka Doncic trade, another move that was defense-focused.

Another frontcourt piece was added this offseason with the Mavericks drafting Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Mavericks also have a young Dereck Lively II on the roster. However, there could be a home run swing Dallas could have in mind if their double-big plan fails this upcoming season and they need to shake up the roster.

Mavericks could combine Gafford and Washington's salaries for a star

Having tons of elite forwards and centers has helped give the Mavs one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, but it also can create controversy on which player to play. The Mavericks have plenty of fours and fives on their team with Gafford, Washington, Davis, Lively II, and now Flagg on the roster.

If the Mavericks want to shake up depth and make a bold move to acquire more backcourt depth, trading Gafford and Washington together to acquire an All-Star could be an idea for Harrison. After all, Gafford was in rumors of being traded last season, and his new contract narrowly avoided a six-month trade restriction, which has caused fans to think he may be expendable.

Davis is the one player in their frontcourt who likely won't be moved under any circumstances. Davis is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, and Harrison went all in by trading Doncic for him. Trading Davis away would hurt the Mavericks' defense and give up on Harrison's plan before it even begins. Along with that, if Davis has a huge season, he will silence his critics after all the backlash he received after the Doncic trade.

Flagg isn't going anywhere anytime soon in Dallas, being the first overall pick. Lively II is entering his third year in the NBA and has made big strides since being drafted. That's where Gafford and Washington become the option for Dallas to trade both of them together, as their combined salaries could net the Mavericks an elite player.

Trading Gafford and Washington together would help Flagg get more minutes and become the top dog in Dallas, and for Lively II to be the guaranteed center of the future.

Gafford and Washington each have solid value with their production on both ends of the floor. Both of them play solid defense and can put up points when needed. Washington has morphed into a knockdown 3-point shooter while Gafford is a monster inside. Teams can draw interest in both players for the production they bring to a team on both ends, and both are in their prime.

Some dynamic and elite players could face uncertainty over the next year with their teams. If Dallas adds another dynamic player to play with Davis, Flagg, and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks could become more dangerous (if next season doesn't go according to plan).