Mavericks writer urges bold trade with heated rival to reshape Cooper Flagg era

As the NBA All-Star weekend comes to a close, the Dallas Mavericks resume their quest to surround newly minted franchise player Cooper Flagg with pieces that mesh with his unique skill set. The saga continues…

Dallas Mavericks beat writer Ron Harrod Jr. recently proposed an interesting scenario, suggesting that the Mavs consider acquiring high-energy players such as Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein if their price tag becomes too high for their current employer in Oklahoma City.

Dallas and Oklahoma City was one of the best rivalries in the NBA when Luka Doncic was on the Mavericks, and this is the type of move that they should explore. Mavericks fans will never forget the heated playoff moments between the two teams, and a trade would make the Mavs-Thunder rivalry even more interesting.

Dort and Hartenstein possess the championship DNA Dallas needs

Co-interim general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi would be wise to at least consider adding either or both Dort and Hartenstein to the Dallas roster in the future. Both players possess championship acumen and understand how to play their assigned roles on a team built around a superstar.

They each have unique intangibles that helped the Oklahoma City Thunder win the 2025 NBA Finals. And those same qualities could help bolster Dallas’ future fortunes in a real way.

Lu Dort has carved out a niche for himself as one of the premier wing defenders in the NBA and was named to the 2024-25 All-Defensive First Team. His trademark physicality has gotten under the skin of many opposing players, and he would fit nicely into Dallas’ defensive culture.

Dort’s defensive prowess has always been at the forefront of what he does. But he’s also become a respectable 3-point shooter in recent years. He shot 41.2 percent from downtown last season and is shooting 35 percent from 3-point land this year, meaning he’s capable of providing spacing for Flagg while also taking on some of the tougher defensive assignments.    

Dort's contract with OKC is guaranteed through the 2025-26 season, with a team option for the 2026-27 season. The final year of the contract is not guaranteed. Meaning he could become a free agent in 2026 if the option is declined, or 2027 if it is exercised.

Isaiah Hartenstein is a jack of all trades at the five spot. He’s a versatile defender who provides elite rim protection and is also a skilled playmaker from the high post. His high IQ allows him to be used in a variety of offensive sets, and he’s very comfortable running the pick and roll.

Hartenstein could blend seamlessly with Kyrie Irving or Flagg in a variety of pick-and-roll variations that would force defenses to pick their poison with no antidote in sight.

He would also provide much-needed insurance at the center position for Dallas as Derek Lively II recovers from surgery on a troublesome right foot that has been plaguing him since last season. 

Hartenstein is currently averaging 10.6 points per game, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 63.5 percent shooting for the season. Those numbers may seem modest to some, but if you look deeper, you see a player who is willing to do whatever is asked of him and can contribute in a myriad of ways.

His current contract with OKC also has a team option for the 2026-27 similar to Dort's. So he could find himself a free agent in 2026 as well if OKC decides to decline the option. It would be prudent for the Mavs to stay abreast of both players' contract negotiations.

Both Dort and Hartenstein exemplify the prototypical NBA glue guy. You don’t win championships without these types of players. They help establish a culture of accountability and a thirst for winning by competing on every play. These traits tend to rub off on teammates in a good way.

These are the less glamorous moves that have to be carefully considered just as much as the splashy signings are painstakingly vetted. The pieces have to fit around Flagg in the right way.

OKC doesn’t seem ready to part with Dort or Hartenstein just yet. But "stranger things" have happened. And this isn’t a TV show. So I guess we will have to stay tuned.