5 Dallas Mavericks Trade Targets to Save Cooper Flagg's Rookie NBA Season

Early November losses typically don't trigger alarm, but falling to the 2025-26 New Orleans Pelicans signals urgent concern for the Dallas Mavericks. The team must make a trade to ensure Cooper Flagg's rookie season delivers more than just empty moral victories.

To improve, Dallas needs an upgrade on offense. Currently, they rank 30th in points scored per possession and 28th in effective field-goal percentage, with no internal solutions. D'Angelo Russell is not the fix.

Challenges with Current Lineup

Playing Flagg at point guard is an interesting experiment but unfairly burdens him with excessive floor-general duties so early. When Flagg plays without a point guard, the Mavericks are minus-61 on the season with a painfully low offensive rating.

Relying on Kyrie Irving's return from an ACL injury is unrealistic due to the uncertain timeline and the thin margin for error in the Western Conference.

Potential Trade Targets

Here are five realistic yet ambitious trade options Dallas should consider. Among them, Tyler Herro stands out. Although he has yet to play this season due to left ankle surgery, circumstances suggest he could be available:

Norman Powell’s strong performance during Herro's absence
Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s increased on-ball experience
The recent drafting of Kasparas Jakučionis
Miami Heat’s decision not to extend Herro in October

At 25 years old and an All-Star, Herro might be more accessible than previously thought.

"The Dallas Mavericks clearly need to make a trade if they want Cooper Flagg's rookie season to feature more than hollow-hearted moral victories."

"Playing Flagg at point guard is a valuable experimental gimmick, but it's a disservice to saddle him with too much floor-general responsibility this soon."

Author's summary: The Mavericks' weak offense demands urgent trades, with Tyler Herro as a prime candidate to help transform Cooper Flagg’s rookie campaign into a success.

Bleacher Report — 2025-11-06