Mavericks Reportedly Target Veterans Paul, Holiday to Boost Flagg-Led Core

The Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, positioning them to select Duke star Cooper Flagg, a versatile defender compared to Kevin Garnett and Kawhi Leonard. While many view Flagg as a foundational piece alongside stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, some critics, like former NBA champion Tony Allen, are skeptical of Flagg reaching franchise-altering status. The Mavericks are actively exploring veteran additions to complement Flagg, including potential trades for Jrue Holiday and Chris Paul; Holiday offers strong perimeter defense but would require a multi-player trade, while Paul could serve as a veteran floor general and mentor, especially with Irving potentially sidelined next season. Another high-profile trade rumor involves Giannis Antetokounmpo, with figures like Cedric Maxwell advocating the Mavericks prioritize proven championship talent over a rookie, suggesting Giannis could immediately elevate the team's championship prospects. Ultimately, Dallas appears focused on blending promising youth with experienced veterans to accelerate their rebuilding process and enhance competitiveness.