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Mavericks Announce Unfortunate Cooper Flagg News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 19, 2025 7:08 PM ET

Cooper Flagg has been one of the few bright spots for the Dallas Mavericks in what has been a tumultuous start to the new NBA season. Apart from the fact that they currently possess one of the worst records in the league at 4-11, the firing of now-former general manager Nico Harrison has led to a lot of uncertainty about the team’s future.

While Harrison’s exit was welcomed by the Dallas faithful, who remain bitter about the Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, the major change in the front office has left a lot of questions unanswered.

Amid all the drama, the Mavs made an announcement about their highly touted rookie. Flagg is currently dealing with an illness, which has led to Dallas making a decision on the 18-year-old.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves.Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

At this point, there has been talk that the Mavericks are planning to pivot to a full rebuild around their new cornerstone star. Dallas hit the jackpot when they won the draft lottery this summer. After Doncic’s exit, the Mavs now have Flagg to build around for the next decade or so.

In fact, there have been rumors about the Mavs potentially exploring the possibility of trading Anthony Davis, whom they acquired from the Lakers as part of the Doncic trade. Moving on from Davis in favor of obtaining future assets would be a clear indication of the organization’s intention to rebuild.

In the meantime, however, Flagg will mark a first in his career on Wednesday night. This is after the Mavs announced via the official injury report that the former Duke Blue Devils star has been ruled out for the Knicks game due to illness.

This will be Flagg’s first time sitting out in his NBA career. He’s played in all 15 of Dallas’ games this season, averaging 15.5 points on 45.5% shooting, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 triples in 33.7 minutes per contest.

Flagg missed morning shootaround and was added to the injury report earlier in the day. He was initially listed as questionable to play, but his illness has gotten the better of him.

Flagg’s next chance to play will be on Friday in a home game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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