Mavericks' dream GM hire suddenly no longer feels impossible

The moment the Dallas Mavericks fired Nico Harrison, the biggest question mark for the franchise was who would be the next general manager. With the team deciding to take the search methodically and slowly, fans finally got their wish granted when it was reported that the Mavericks would be targeting some of the league's best general managers in their search for a new leader.

Sam Presti of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics, and Tim Connelly of the Minnesota Timberwolves were all names mentioned earlier this week, including former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers as a target in Dallas' search. Initially, fans were quick to blow this off, but after NBA insider Chris B. Haynes' report that one name would for sure listen to Dallas' offer (either Connelly, Stevens, or Presti), fans are now eager to find out who that could be.

Haynes' Mavericks report makes Dallas' dream GM targets believable

Prying any one of those three executives from their current positions sounds like a long shot to begin with, but after Haynes' report, the Mavericks may truly be setting up Cooper Flagg for a strong future.

"One of those guys on the wish list, according to this text, would listen," Haynes said on SiriusXM's NBA Radio.

If any of these reports are true, the Mavericks have not only signaled that they are targeting some of the highest names in the league, but they mean business when it comes to building a talented roster and front office around Flagg. It would be sad to see Matt Riccardi or Michael Finley not get considered for the general manager job, but when it comes to Stevens, Presti, or Conelly, there isn't much competition.

Both Presti and Connelly have proven that they can build talented rosters around game-changing stars, and while Stevens didn't draft Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, he has built a continuous contending roster around Boston's dynamic duo.

The Mavericks are still set on taking their time with the GM search, but the reports that have come out over the past few days have been a good sign for Mavericks fans. Dallas knows they can't jump the gun on any name, even when it comes to some of the league's top names, but regardless, the Mavericks finally appear to be on the bright side of the news cycle.

Mavericks landing a top GM could define the Flagg era before it starts

While it goes without saying, Dallas' search for a general manager has to be one of the team's top priorities. Hiring the right guy not only sends a strong message to fans that they want to correct their past mistakes, but it also shows Flagg that they are ready to take the next step.

Whoever the Mavericks hire as their next GM would be given a plate full of problems, but drafting the right name next to Flagg would likely be the first important task on the table. This would lay the foundation of what the Flagg era would truly look like in Dallas.