Mavericks’ top trade, free agent targets after drafting Morez Johnson Jr.

Two years ago, the Dallas Mavericks were on the precipice of the championship after advancing to the NBA Finals. But due to a series of inexplicable decisions, plus the ACL injury of Kyrie Irving, the momentum from their impressive run swiftly dissipated, leaving the Mavericks in disarray.

But if there is a positive to all of it, clearly, it is the rise of Cooper Flagg. The Mavericks may have missed the playoffs for the second straight season, but Flagg lived up to the hype as the No. 1 pick, giving Dallas a reason to remain optimistic.

The Mavericks will enter a new chapter—yet again—with the arrival of Dusty May as coach. Many thought that it would be impossible for May to leave Michigan and enter the NBA, especially since they just won the national title. Dallas, however, convinced him to jump.

Just a few hours after the hiring of May, the Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr. as the No. 9 pick in the NBA Draft. It was a surprise, but not really, since Johnson played for May on the Wolverines.

The front office will build the roster around Flagg, and getting plug-and-play pieces via free agency and a trade could help the Mavericks get over the hump.

Mavericks’ top trade target

There were rumors that the Mavericks were shopping around Irving, who sat out this season. Team president Masai Ujiri, however, said they are not looking to move the flashy guard, stressing that they are bullish on the tandem of Irving and Flagg.

Instead, Dallas should be active in finding a different trade. A great option would be Trey Murphy III. The Mavericks could offer PJ Washington to the New Orleans Pelicans in a one-for-one swap. After all, the Pelicans are reportedly eager to let go of Murphy.

While Washington is well-loved in Dallas because of his toughness, leadership, and connection with Flagg, Murphy would be an upgrade. He is a better scorer, a better shooter, more athletic, and arguably a more versatile defender. For what it is worth, he is also two years younger than Washington.

Murphy is coming off another impressive campaign, averaging career-highs of 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. He shot 37.9% from long distance.

Many believe that he is wasting his prime in New Orleans, and a fresh start in Dallas could give him the chance to finally play for a contender.

Mavericks’ top free agent target

The Mavericks did not try to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, perhaps knowing that they do not have enough to offer to the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo landed with the Miami Heat.

Dallas, however, should go after Antetokounmpo’s new teammate, Andrew Wiggins. Miami is facing a dilemma in choosing between Wiggins and Norman Powell in free agency, as it might be too expensive to keep them both. The Mavericks should swoop in, go Vito Corleone on Wiggins, and give him an offer he cannot refuse.

The Mavericks need another two-way threat, and Wiggins fits the bill. He had a bounce-back season in South Beach after appearing in only 17 games in 2024-2025. He logged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals, while shooting a career-high 41.4% from three-point range.

May could use him as a sixth man, providing instant offense and solid defense off the bench. He could also easily be a starter, with Flagg sliding to the two spot. A lineup of Daniel Gafford, Murphy, Wiggins, Flagg, and Irving could do major damage.

The Mavericks might never move on from the exit of Luka Doncic, but returning to the playoffs could ease some of the pain.

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