Dallas Mavericks: The road to reconstruction with the support of the No. 1 pick

1. Flag's joining the Mavericks is a foregone conclusion

1. The draft results and the players' attitude

The 2025 NBA draft lottery ceremony was settled, and the Dallas Mavericks miraculously won the No. 1 pick with a probability of 1.8%. Although the team's regular season performance was mediocre (only one step away from entering the playoffs), this result still sparked heated discussions on "conspiracy theory" - did the Mavericks' previous trade with Doncic to the Lakers imply "compensation mechanism"? A similar plot once reappeared after the Pelicans traded Davis (for Zion), and now the Mavericks may copy this mode.

The No. 1 pick Cooper Flag has officially joined the CAA agency. His NCAA average of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in his freshman season. His comprehensive offense and defense technology is regarded as the "facade of the future." The Mavericks have not yet clarified their intention to trade the No. 1 pick, and Flag's joining is almost a foregone conclusion.

2. Team positioning

The Mavericks try to build a new generation of championship team through the "Big Four" combination of Flagg + Anthony Davis + Irving + Thompson. Flag's height and wingspan (2m 06/2m 13) and comprehensive technology will fill the team's shortcomings in the frontcourt and form a dual-core drive with Davis. However, the hero of the 24-year finals, PJ-Washington may face a cleanup due to the overlapping lineup.

2. Backcourt crisis caused by Irving's injury

1. Injury situation

Kyrie Irving is expected to miss the entire 2024-25 season due to torn anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee. The injury of the two-time Finals MVP not only weakened the outside firepower, but also exposed the hidden danger of the Mavericks' lack of depth in the backcourt.

2. Lineup shortcomings

Currently, the Mavericks lack a stable point guard in the backcourt and rely only on the organizational capabilities of Thompson and Gafford. Although Flag has the ability to hold the ball, more roles still need to be adjusted. The team urgently needs an experienced starting point guard to share the offensive pressure and connect the tactics.

III. Signing needs: urgency of starting point guards

1. Target candidates

The Mavericks' ideal goals include Taylor Herro of Miami Heat, Tyreth Halliburton of Indiana Pacers, or Julius Randle of New York Knicks. These players can provide instant combat power and complement Flag.

2. Signing obstacles

team salary space is close to the luxury tax red line (total salary of US$160 million in 2024), and there is a lack of high-value trading chips. If it cannot be strengthened through trading or free market, the Mavericks' backcourt shortcomings will become a fatal weakness in the playoffs.

4. Fatal limits on salary space

1. After the financial difficulties

trading Doncic, the Mavericks' salary flexibility plummeted. In the current lineup, Davis and Irving's contract totaled about $120 million, accounting for 75% of the team's total salary. If another maximum-salary point guard is introduced, the team will be deeply trapped in a "salary cage".

2. Risk of invalidation of special clauses

NBA's "Trade Special" (TPE) and "Middle Special" (MPE) are subject to team salary matching capabilities. If the Mavericks cannot make room through trades, they will lose the initiative to operate in the free market.

5. Breakthrough plan: Irving's salary cut and renews the contract

1. The core proposal

suggests that Irving accepts a salary cut (such as adjusting the remaining 2-year, 80 million US dollars to 4-year, 50 million US dollars) in exchange for the team's room to strengthen. This move not only reduces the pressure on luxury taxes, but also creates an environment for Flag's growth.

2. Potential benefits

Mavericks after a salary cut can use the middle class special case to sign a high-quality point guard (such as Brunson or Halliburton) while retaining trading flexibility. Irving's leadership and experience are still the key to the team's championship.

6. Future Outlook and Challenge

The Mavericks' "Big Four" lineup is strong on paper, but actual competitiveness depends on three factors:

Flag's adaptability speed: whether he can quickly integrate into the NBA rhythm and realize his potential;

Irving's health and mentality: whether he can maintain his peak under the pressure of salary cuts;

Management's operational wisdom: how to complete the lineup strengthening under limited salary.