Dallas Mavericks Secure No.1 Pick, Celtics Interview Cooper Flagg at Draft Combine

The Boston Celtics interviewed Duke phenom Cooper Flagg at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine despite holding no first-round pick high enough to realistically draft him, signaling their interest in potentially trading up for the consensus No. 1 pick currently held by the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg, a Maine native and a celebrated college player, has a well-known affinity for the Celtics, which adds another layer of intrigue to the Celtics' pursuit. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the 2025-26 season due to an Achilles injury, the Celtics face uncertainty about their championship window and roster construction, motivating them to explore bold moves such as trading star Jaylen Brown and multiple first-round picks to acquire a top lottery selection. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison's openness to trade talks combined with Boston's strategic approach at the combine highlights a possible blockbuster trade scenario reminiscent of Eli Manning's 2004 NFL draft situation. These developments reflect the Celtics' desire to reset their roster around a young star like Flagg to maintain long-term contention amid high salary commitments and Tatum's injury. The ongoing speculation underscores how the Celtics are actively leveraging the draft combine and trade market to navigate their future in the post-Tatum injury landscape.