Mavericks' perfect move after drafting Flagg is another bombshell trade with Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks have gone through the craziest three months in franchise history recently, as it all started on February 1 when the team traded Luka Doncic, Markieff Morris, and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.

This is a move that shocked the entire NBA world, as everyone considered Doncic as someone who would retire a Maverick, and things progressively got crazier in Dallas as Kyrie Irving tore his ACL and "Fire Nico" chants ensued all around town, and ultimately, the team ended up missing the NBA Playoffs for the second time in three years.

This was a heartbreaking reality considering the Mavs made the NBA Finals last season, and the excitement around the team had never been lower. Fans were not engaged like they usually are, and the direction of the franchise was unknown, but all of that changed on Monday night.

The Mavs won the NBA Draft Lottery and the right to select Cooper Flagg in this summer's NBA Draft, and this was truly the only way to make up for the Doncic trade. Dallas was gifted one of the greatest prospects of the last few decades, and while it has already been reported that the Mavs won't trade the No. 1 overall pick and they'll select Flagg, another mind-boggling trade could be on the table between Dallas and Los Angeles that would change everything for both sides.

Mavericks must explore trading one of their bigs for Austin Reaves

With the Lakers needing a center badly and the Mavericks desperately needing more shot creation and guard help until Irving returns, the two teams could consider swapping Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford for Austin Reaves. It seems like Lively II would have to be the player in this hypothetical deal, as his trade value is likely significantly higher than Gafford's when considering his age and contract, and this type of trade would fill huge holes for both teams involved.

With Lively II or Gafford heading to Los Angeles, the Lakers would be gaining their starting center of the future whom Doncic has already proven to have chemistry with. Doncic makes good rim-rolling bigs who can finish at the rim look like all-stars, and trading for either one of Dallas' fan-favorite bigs would be a match made in heaven for the Lakers. Trading either Gafford or Lively II would be an extremely hard move to make for Dallas, as both players are loved in Dallas and were key pieces of their recent finals run, but the bigger needs of the team must be handled this offseason.

Dallas' team needs changed significantly when they secured the No. 1 overall pick and the right to draft Flagg, and it seems likely that they will trade one of their frontcourt players for guard help. Flagg's addition to the roster has created a bit of a logjam with the frontcourt, and someone like Lively II, Gafford, or even P.J. Washington could end up being on the move before we know it.

If Reaves were to head to the Mavericks, they'd be landing a fourth star to pair alongside Flagg, Davis, and Irving. Reaves's player development with the Lakers has been a thing of beauty over the last few years, and he would be the perfect player to bring to the Mavs.

Last season for the Lakers, Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 46 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from downtown, and he has made huge improvements every single season he's been in the league. He is an incredible scorer off the bounce, as he has the ability to get to his spots inside and outside the arc and drill tough jumpers, but his smooth handle, shiftiness, and craftiness also allow him to be a dangerous slasher, even when quicker defenders are guarding him.

Reaves is a gifted secondary playmaker, and his assist numbers have risen every single season he's been in the league. This was one area in specific in which he grew most last season, as he seemingly always makes the right play with on-point skip passes when going downhill or finding a diving big man in the pick and roll. These are the types of passes the Mavericks need out of their point guard, and Reaves throwing lob passes to Flagg and Davis in transition or the half-court would have fans jumping for joy.

Reaves's game would be the ideal fit next to Irving once he returns, as he could give him a similar dynamic to what he had with Doncic over the two years they played together (someone who can handle the ball when needed or play off the ball), and he could also be someone to run the offense while Irving is out.

Concerns about Reaves' defense would be erased, as the Mavericks would have some of the best help defenders in the NBA in Davis and (potentially) Flagg to help him out if he gets blown by, and a Gafford or Lively II swap (along with other assets depending on the deal) for Reaves would be a win-win trade for Dallas and Los Angeles.

Gafford has already been listed as a "realistic" target for the Lakers this summer, and Doncic's connection with him and Lively II is undeniable. With Doncic's defensive struggles in the playoffs and Reaves's upcoming player option next summer, the Lakers could decide to trade him this summer if they don't plan on paying him next summer.

Dallas and Los Angeles seem to be two teams to keep an eye on for trades this summer, as they both have different needs that must be addressed, and we'll have you covered with all the latest.