Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks brings the ball up the court against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.

Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks initiates the offense against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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Three Star Trade Targets The Dallas Mavericks Should Consider To Pair With Cooper Flagg

James PierceyJune 3, 2026 8:38 PMJune 3, 2026 8:39 PM

DHJ Quick Take: Three Trade Targets the Dallas Mavericks Could Pursue With the No. 9 Pick

After landing the ninth pick instead of a second straight lottery jump, the Dallas Mavericks may be better off flipping the selection for a veteran to pair with Cooper Flagg.

Why might the Mavericks trade the No. 9 pick? Dallas has a franchise cornerstone in Flagg but few other assets, so converting the pick into proven help could matter more than another rookie.
Who are the trade targets? Alperen Şengün, Jalen Suggs, and Michael Porter Jr. each fit a different need alongside Flagg.
Which target fits Cooper Flagg best? Porter Jr. offers the cleanest fit as a floor spacer for Flagg’s weakest area, while Suggs brings elite perimeter defense.
What would a deal cost? Likely the ninth pick plus salary or additional draft capital, such as the Lakers’ 2029 first in a Şengün framework.

The Dallas Mavericks got remarkably lucky in the 2025 NBA Draft. Their pick took a massive leap, landing first overall to allow them to secure Cooper Flagg.

It seems lightning does not strike twice.

The Mavericks landed the ninth pick. That had a 31.1% chance of happening. It was the second-most likely outcome after eighth overall (32.9%).

New general manager Mike Schmitz insists that Dallas will turn this pick into a rotation-caliber player anyway. He’d better. Dallas is in an interesting position. They have a certified franchise player in Flagg, but they’re light on assets to build around him moving forward. Every move Schmitz makes from here counts.

Could he shop this pick for a star to pair with Flagg? Here are three names he’d have to consider if they were available.

Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets

Interestingly, Schmitz was vocal about Alperen Şengün leading up to the 2021 NBA draft.

Mavericks fans can consider that a vote of confidence in Schmitz’s draft acumen. Şengün has been far more productive than anyone expected from a 16th overall pick. At 23, he’s already a two-time All-Star.

Yet, there are whispers about his future in Houston. As a weak shooter, Şengün is a questionable fit alongside Amen Thompson. If the Rockets prefer Thompson, they could look to move Şengün.

Moreover, the Rockets own the Mavericks’ 2029 first-round pick. A deal centered on the ninth pick, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 2029 first-round pick, and some additional draft capital for Şengün, plus control of the Mavericks’ 2029 first-round pick, could be beneficial to both sides.

Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic

NBA fans tend to fall victim to recency bias. General managers can’t afford to make the same mistake.

Jalen Suggs struggled mightily in the 2025-26 NBA playoffs. He shot just 24.1% from long range. That’s unfortunate, but it’s only a seven-game sample size.

No, Suggs will never be a primary creator. That’s fine. The Mavericks hope to groom Flagg into a point forward. Despite his offensive limitations, Suggs is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA, and he’s also flashed potential as a more reliable floor spacer.

The Mavericks traded Luka Dončić because “defense wins championships.” Even new management may want to stay consistent with that messaging. Suggs won’t be Flagg’s co-star, but he shouldn’t cost more than contracts and the ninth pick. Unless the Mavs think someone on the board projects as better than Suggs, he can help them get on a winning track and complement Flagg for years to come.

Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Or, the Mavericks could just go get a proven scorer.

Michael Porter Jr. and Flagg are a near-perfect forward pairing. Flagg’s only weakness is three-point shooting. That’s comfortably Porter Jr.’s biggest strength. Meanwhile, Flagg can compensate for Porter Jr.’s defensive limitations, which, it should be noted, are not among the league’s most significant in the first place.

If there’s an issue here, it’s with the Nets’ willingness to play ball. They owe their next first-round pick to the Rockets, so they may seek to improve their roster rather than acquire assets. That said, if there’s a price that satisfies Brooklyn without devastating the Mavericks, this could look sensible.

If nothing else, Dallas can’t rely on luck anymore.