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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass past Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Maybe the Dallas Mavericks don’t want to make a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. Last time they pulled off a deal in Hollywood, they lost Luka Doncic for a washed-up Anthony Davis and a single first-round pick.
Not exactly a win-win, even if it did net them Cooper Flagg a few months later, only after missing the playoffs.
However, if the Doncic deal and subsequent aftermath taught us anything, it’s that Nico Harrison is totally unpredictable. In an effort to deliver on his “three-year” title promise, he could call up Rob Pelinka and make a second deal.
With ten inefficient points, ten rebounds, and zero assists in his NBA debut, it’s safe to say that Flagg is not a solution at point guard. Could the Mavericks turn to D’Angelo Russell to right the ship? Perhaps, although it won’t be until Kyrie Irving returns (this season? after that?) that Mavericks fans can breathe easy.
In an effort to land a point guard to lead the charge for Flagg and Davis, the Mavericks should target Austin Reaves. The Lakers might not be in any rush to get rid of him, especially with LeBron James currently injured. However, he is going to be a free agent next summer, and the Lakers would prefer trading him rather than letting him walk for nothing.
These two deals address an area of need for the Lakers and reunite Doncic with former teammates.
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against Dalton Knecht #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Mock Trade #1: Dallas Mavericks Give Up a Center
Is Deandre Ayton a long-term running mate for Doncic? His contract suggests not, and his ten-point, six-rebound Lakers’ debut doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.
In 2024, the Mavericks struck a deal with the Washington Wizards, adding Daniel Gafford. In that 2024 playoff run, Gafford averaged nine points. He is also one of the most efficient shooters in NBA history. Pairing him with Doncic makes perfect sense for the Lakers.
Full Mock Trade Details:
- Dallas Mavericks receive: Austin Reaves
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Daniel Gafford, 2026 first-round pick swap, 2029 first-round pick (via LAL)
The Lakers give up their third-best player in this deal, although they bolster their coffers with some draft capital that could be used down the road or flipped in a future trade.
Gafford and Doncic are a proven duo. A lineup of Reaves, Davis, Flagg, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II, with PJ Washington and Russell coming off the bench, is a clear upgrade for the Mavericks, as well.
Mock Trade #1: Dallas Mavericks Give Up a Wing
What if Ayton exceeds expectations? Adding another non-shooting big isn’t exactly a great move for the Lakers, so Dallas needs to have a backup trade package ready to drop.
Between Lively, Davis, and even Flagg, the Mavericks aren’t the best shooting team in the NBA. If they were to give up Washington, Thompson would be the only true deadeye shooter on the roster.
In order to add Reaves, a player with All-Star potential, the Mavericks might have to bite the bullet and give up one of their own.
Full Mock Trade Details:
- Dallas Mavericks receive: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: PJ Washington, Jaden Hardy, 2029 first-round pick (via LAL) or 2030 first-round pick (SAS swap rights)
Dalton Knecht could turn into a solid shooter. In fact, he already is a decent shooter. It’s everywhere else that he struggles. On top of that, the Mavericks land a true point guard to distribute the ball.
The Lakers, meanwhile, add two more picks and get a starting-caliber wing. A lineup of Doncic, James, Washington, Ayton, and Rui Hachimura is nothing to sneeze at. Sure, they lose Reaves, but they are better positioned to build around Doncic moving forward.
Would fans riot if the Mavericks made another deal with the Lakers? Maybe! But the front office has already proven that they don’t care about fan demands, making it entirely possible.
Jonah Kubicek Jonah Kubicek has been covering the NBA since 2021 and has served as a writer, editor, and social media manager. When he’s not catching a game, he can be found cooking, reading, or meticulously planning his garden. More about Jonah Kubicek
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