On Monday, former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins said he thinks the Mavericks should trade the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the Phoenix Suns in a package for Kevin Durant. That'd be a dream come true for the Suns, but unfortunately, there is zero reason for the Mavericks to do that.
Dallas had a 1.8 percent chance at the No. 1 pick entering the draft lottery and defied the odds to leave Chicago with the top selection. It was the second time within a few months that the Mavericks shocked the world — the first happening in the middle of the night in February when they traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers.
Nico Harrison's past mismanagement led to speculation that Dallas might be open to trading the top pick, but ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported on May 13 that the Mavericks plan to draft Flagg. Of course, that could change, but Dallas seems intent on making the 18-year-old phenom the next face of its franchise.
Even if the Mavericks were open to trading the pick, it'd be hard to envision them sending it to Phoenix in a package for KD. The Suns forward will turn 37 before next season. Dallas shortened its title window by trading Doncic to LA in exchange for Anthony Davis, but Flagg will change that.
DeMarcus Cousins says Mavericks should trade No. 1 pick to Suns for Durant
Like Boogie said, Durant can help an already established team win a championship, but it shouldn't be at the cost of losing a generational talent like Flagg. KD will be in the league for a few more years, while Flagg could be around for the next 20-plus.
Trading the No. 1 pick to Phoenix would give the Suns the ultimate get out of jail free card, as a Durant trade hinges on what happens with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Even if he decides to stay with the Bucks, that doesn't mean the Suns will get the interest they want in KD trade talks. Phoenix would be lucky to get the No. 10 pick from Houston in a Durant deal, much less the No. 1 pick.
If only Boogie were in charge of the Mavericks' front office. He wouldn't be much worse than what Dallas has now.
Can lightning strike twice in the same place twice in two months? Technically, it can, but in this scenario, probably not.