Mavericks Secure No. 1 Pick After Major Trade

The Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery with only a 1.8% chance, securing the No. 1 overall pick and positioning themselves to select Duke star Cooper Flagg, a widely regarded generational talent. The franchise's fortunes shifted after a major trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and a season marred by Kyrie Irving's injury. The addition of Flagg is expected to complement a core that could include Davis, Irving, and Klay Thompson, with analysts like Blake Griffin urging the team to keep the pick. The lottery win has sparked debates about draft fairness and significantly improved the Mavericks' championship odds for next season. While there is speculation about potential blockbuster trades, such as for Giannis Antetokounmpo, current indications are that Dallas will retain the pick. The draft is also notable for other top prospects, including Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, making the 2025 class especially strong.