Cousins: Mavericks Should Trade No. 1 Pick for Durant

Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins has suggested that Rutgers forward Ace Bailey, rather than Duke's Cooper Flagg, should be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, comparing Bailey to Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady. Despite Bailey's impressive freshman season, most draft experts rank him behind Flagg and Dylan Harper due to concerns about his ball-handling and physical attributes. Cousins also recommended that the Dallas Mavericks, who won the No. 1 pick, trade it for a proven star like Kevin Durant to accelerate their championship ambitions, citing GM Nico Harrison's stated priorities. However, Mavericks management has indicated they intend to keep the pick and select Flagg, who is considered a franchise-changing prospect after a standout year at Duke. The debate initiated by Cousins underscores the choice between long-term development and immediate contention. The consensus remains that Dallas will use the pick on Flagg rather than pursue a veteran star.