NBA News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Trae Young Roasts ESPN Analyst for Dallas Mavericks Suggestion with No. 1 Pick

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Grant Afseth | Last updated May 13, 2025 9:30 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off the improbable on Monday night, landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft despite holding just a 1.8% chance to do so. The lottery victory positions Dallas to select Duke star Cooper Flagg, a player widely considered the consensus top prospect in the class.

Coming off a chaotic season that featured the controversial trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers and a first-round Play-In Tournament exit, the Mavericks suddenly find themselves back in the spotlight for a far more uplifting reason. Their stunning lottery leap marks the fourth-biggest jump to No. 1 in league history and could mark a pivotal turning point for the franchise.

But not everyone thinks Dallas should hold on to the pick.

Jay Williams’ Trade Proposal Sparks Backlash, Including from Trae Young

ESPN analyst Jay Williams quickly stirred debate when he suggested the Mavericks should consider trading the top pick to acquire a proven superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Devin Booker. The idea, he argued, would allow Dallas to maximize their current championship window alongside Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

The suggestion didn’t sit well with everyone.

Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks’ four-time All-Star guard, delivered a blunt and viral response. Reacting to a clip of Williams making the case on ESPN, Young wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The yearly Jay Will terrible draft take. Never gets old.”

The yearly Jay Will terrible draft take
Never gets old
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 13, 2025

The remark drew laughter and support across social media, where fans and fellow players expressed disbelief at the idea of moving the rights to a player like Flagg, who many view as a generational talent.

Williams has a history of making bold draft predictions that don’t always age well, and Young’s jab only added fuel to the fire.

Dallas Mavericks Set to Select Cooper Flagg as New Era Begins

Despite Williams’ proposal, the Mavericks intend to use the No. 1 pick to select Flagg. Internally, the organization views Flagg as a franchise cornerstone capable of helping them win now and in the long term.

The team is eyeing a trio of Flagg, Davis, and Irving to help lift Dallas out of a turbulent stretch. While Davis missed extended time with a left adductor injury and Irving won’t return from a torn ACL until 2026, Flagg’s arrival would signal the start of a new era.

Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists at Duke while shooting 48.1% from the field and leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. He turned heads at the NBA Draft Combine, showcasing elite athleticism and two-way ability. Scouts have praised his instincts, versatility, and leadership.

The Mavericks—long criticized for failing to build a lasting contender around Dončić—now have a chance to rewrite the narrative.

NBA Draft Notes and League Reaction

The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25 (Round 1) and June 26 (Round 2) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Dallas will pick first, while Atlanta, hoping for a better lottery outcome, will select at No. 13 via a trade with the Sacramento Kings.

Whether Flagg lives up to the hype remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Dallas isn’t looking to move the pick, no matter what Williams thinks.

This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: