Heartbreaking Mavericks trade rumor is the only way to jumpstart the Cooper Flagg era

With just days before the NBA's trade deadline ends, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves with a golden opportunity to begin the Cooper Flagg era the right way. After dropping a career-high 49 points against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, building around Flagg is now the only outcome the Mavericks have, and after a recent trade rumor between Naji Marshall and the New York Knicks, Dallas has the golden ticket to a strong rebuild.

NBA insider Ian Begley recently reported that the Knicks have Marshall on their radar, but regardless of the package New York could send Dallas' way, the Mavericks can get a haul elsewhere for Marshall.

"At the moment, the consensus is that Dallas will be able to garner a better offer than New York’s for Marshall," Begley wrote after mentioning the slew of seven second-round draft picks the Knicks possess.

The Mavericks will be able to garner a solid return for Naji Marshall

While this report not only indicates that contending teams interested in Marshall would be willing to deal some draft assets, but more importantly, it indicates that the Mavericks can get more than multiple second-round picks for their standout wing.

Marshall has dazzled all season long, which has made him one of the hottest names on the trade market, and while this report isn't anything substantial as to what exactly Marshall's value is around the league, it shows the Mavericks are willing to shop him for the right price.

Getting a solid first-round pick in return for Marshall would be heartbreaking, considering he has become a fan favorite since joining the Mavericks, but it would give them a possible lifeline with Flagg in mind. Dallas needs to find any way possible to get a young player and more future assets on board, and if Marshall unlocks this possibility, it may mean his departure.

Flagg has already proven that he can be a player to build around, and with Marshall possibly being Dallas' only asset worth substantial draft compensation, it may mean an untimely end to his Mavs career. Even if the Mavs took the Knicks' possible offer of multiple second-round picks, it would be a step in the right direction, but it's clear Dallas is confident they can get more for the standout forward.

Assuming Dallas can kickstart the Flagg era with an extra first-round pick and a possible young player to add to their young core, it would accelerate their rebuild quickly.

Marshall has quickly become one of the hottest names on the trade market, and with him averaging 14.7 points per game on uber-efficient shooting, it's clear teams around the league are willing to pay a pretty penny. Marshall is also on an extremely team-friendly contract, only making $9 million annually, which is why draft picks may be the only bargaining chip that will pry him out of Dallas.

The Mavericks will have a slew of moves to make this trade deadline, especially if they want to dodge the second apron, and as painful as it may seem, Marshall is likely playing his last few games in a Mavericks uniform.