Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison (left) looks on with Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg (right) at a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'They’ve Been Fans for a Few Years' – Dallas Mavericks Listed as Potential Trade Suitor for 6-Year Veteran Big

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 9:12 AM ET

The Dallas Mavericks have retooled their roster with the additions of rookie Cooper Flagg and D’Angelo Russell, while re-signing Dante Exum and Kyrie Irving to new contracts. However, it seems that they’re not yet finished.

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Dallas Mavericks are keen to trade for Dean Wade of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who is entering the final year of his current contract.

“It’s worth noting there was plenty of chatter in the desert about defense-first forward Dean Wade possibly being moved. An unrestricted free agent following the season, the current belief is Wade likely wouldn’t return, with cap-strapped Cleveland being unable to afford him,” Fedor wrote in his mailbag article.

Jan 22, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) handles the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

“So, do the Cavs try to get something of value now before he potentially departs? Sources say numerous contenders from each conference have expressed interest. The Dallas Mavericks have been fans for a few years, and a former Cleveland assistant is part of the coaching staff,” he added.

Dallas Mavericks News: Cooper Flagg’s Summer League performances draw “exciting” outlook from analyst

Former NBA player and coach Sam Mitchell believes the Dallas Mavericks struck gold with Cooper Flagg after he saw his two games in the recently concluded NBA 2K26 Summer League.

Dallas Mavericks Reporter Has Detailed Review of Cooper Flagg's Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) walks off the court after losing to the Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

“I’m excited for Dallas. He’s not gonna make people forget Luka, but the way this team has the ability to win and the fact that Cooper Flagg is gonna be a different kind of a star for the Dallas Mavericks. I think these fans are gonna be all in,” Mitchell said about Flagg on SiriusXM NBA Radio.

After notching 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals on 5-for-21 shooting from the field against the Los Angeles Lakers, Flagg bounced back with a 31-point outing against the San Antonio Spurs before he was shut down for the rest of the pocket tournament.