Mavericks just paired Cooper Flagg with another No. 1 pick in three-team trade

On Sunday morning, the Dallas Mavericks were part of a three-team trade with the Atlanta Hawks and the Oklahoma City Thunder that sends Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas, Lu Dort and Ryan Nembhard to Atlanta, and three second-round picks to OKC. All the Mavericks had to give up to acquire the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 NBA Draft was one second-round pick and Nembhard, and Dallas pulled off an absolute steal.

Mavericks add another No. 1 pick in three-team trade

The Mavericks now have the first overall picks from the 2024 and 2025 NBA Drafts as key pieces of their young core, with Risacher from 2024 and Cooper Flagg from 2025. Risacher was included in some trade rumors to Dallas at the trade deadline last season, and the Mavericks pulled off a deal to acquire the 6-foot-8 wing.

Last season for Atlanta, Risacher averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from downtown. The Hawks gave up on him after just two seasons, and the Mavericks hardly had to give up anything to add another first overall pick to their roster.

They now have Kyrie Irving, Flagg, and Risacher, and Flagg and Risacher are actually an extremely intriguing young duo to build around. Risacher shouldn't be expected to be a star by any means, but with Masai Ujiri's help, the 21-year-old forward will have the chance to grow considerably.

Why Dallas is a great spot for Risacher

Ujiri's organizations have done an incredible job of developing young wings, as shown by the Toronto Raptors' work with OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Scottie Barnes, and Risacher could quickly join this conversation if he takes considerable strides in Dallas. The Mavericks are the perfect team for him, as they aren't in a rush to win a championship, and now Flagg and Risacher can grow together.

Flagg's driving and playmaking should help open up plenty of good looks for Risacher from beyond the arc, as he projects to be a strong shooter. Risacher is also a good connective passer and cutter, and Dallas' offense should run smoothly when they share the court.

On the other end of the floor, Risacher provides versatility, just like Flagg, and he has plenty of room to grow.

Mavericks fans should be thrilled that Dallas acquired Risacher for this cheap, and his potential is what’s so exciting. He was the first overall pick two years ago for a reason, and the Mavericks have the chance to fully unlock his game alongside Flagg.

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