Mavericks Have Wanted Giannis Antetokounmpo For Years; Cooper Flagg Could Be Moved?

When the Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, it was seen as a historic stroke of fortune. But according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, it may also be the ticket to a long-standing dream: bringing Giannis Antetokounmpo to Dallas. 

“They’ve wanted Giannis in Dallas for years. They signed his brother, just thought I’d point that out.”

And now, with the No. 1 pick in the draft, almost certain to be used on Cooper Flagg,  the Mavericks finally have a piece that could make a Giannis trade possible.

As reported, Giannis is seriously exploring options outside Milwaukee for the first time in his career. After the Bucks were bounced in the first round for the third straight year, and with Damian Lillard recovering from a torn Achilles, the franchise’s future is murky. Milwaukee is capped out, asset-drained, and no longer elite. Giannis has been loyal, but this time, the writing might be on the wall.

That opens the door for Dallas. After trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, the Mavericks committed to building a new identity, one based on defense and experience. 

Adding Cooper Flagg, the most hyped No. 1 prospect since Victor Wembanyama, seemed like the natural next step in that rebuild. Flagg is reportedly “thrilled” to join the Mavericks, who plan to make him their franchise cornerstone.

But if Giannis becomes truly available, that entire plan could pivot. The only realistic way the Mavericks can acquire Giannis is by sending Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford, a win-now package filled with potential, depth, and flexibility. 

Milwaukee gets its future centerpiece in Flagg, along with solid starters who can be retained or flipped for more assets. The Bucks could enter a full-scale rebuild with clarity.

It’s not a deal Dallas would make lightly. Flagg is 18, on a rookie contract, and projects as a two-way star with elite IQ and motor. The Mavericks are also excited about his fit next to Anthony Davis, with Kyrie Irving set to return in early 2026. 

But if Dallas wants to win now, a trio of Giannis, Davis, and Kyrie could be the most terrifying core in the NBA. The combined rim protection, switchability, and experience would immediately place them in title contention.

From the Bucks' perspective, Cooper Flagg may be the kind of generational building block that softens the blow of losing Giannis. Flagg led Duke in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, won every major college award, and is known for his leadership and drive. 

Milwaukee would reset with a true face of the franchise while offloading over $100 million in veteran salary.

Whether this move materializes or not, it’s clear that Dallas is prepared to be aggressive. Nico Harrison has never hidden his win-now mentality, and the chance to pair two of the league’s most feared defenders in Giannis and AD may be too tempting to pass up.

If that means parting ways with Cooper Flagg before he ever plays an NBA game, so be it.

For the Mavericks, chasing Giannis has always been the dream. And now, for the first time, the door might actually be open.