• Loading stock data...
Monday, June 2, 2025

Unlikely Lottery Luck Could Change Mavericks Franchise for Decades

Three months after trading Luka Dončić the Mavericks won the NBA draft lottery for the first time in franchise history.

David Banks-Imagn Images

From Luka to Cooper. 

Three months after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks won the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. 

At Monday’s NBA draft lottery, the Mavericks were announced as the team with the No. 1 pick despite just a 1.8% chance to win the lottery. It marked the first time the franchise has moved up in the lottery since the system was first implemented in 1985. The NBA draft is June 25 at Barclays Center. 

Flagg, the presumptive No. 1 pick, dramatically changes the future of the Mavericks. The team was riddled with injuries after Dončić was traded for a package that included Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Mavericks were betting on size, putting Davis around Derrick Lively, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, and Kyrie Irving. 

“Defense wins championships,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has repeatedly said since trading Dončić. 

But many believed the Mavericks were banking on a core that is old and injury-riddled, as Davis and Irving both have extensive injury histories. The 18-year-old Flagg joins a team that will immediately contend for a playoff spot and gives the franchise a path to win after the older core has run its course, similar to Dončić. 

Trading the 25-year-old Dončić less than a year after he led the franchise to the NBA Finals led to a fan revolt the likes of which Dallas hasn’t seen in years. Harrison received death threats, Mavericks season tickets were cancelled, and fans rioted in the streets over the deal. Now Harrison has another generational star fall into his lap. 

The Mavericks were 10th among NBA teams in salary this season, with around $173 million. Flagg’s rookie contract, assuming he goes No. 1, will be a four-year deal worth $62.7 million. 

Flagg was named National College Player of the Year and a first-team All-American in his lone year at Duke after averaging 19.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, while shooting an extremely efficient 48% from the field and 39% from 3. Flagg led the Devils to the Final Four before the team fell to Houston. 

The 6-foot-9 forward already has numerous endorsements, notably spurning Nike to sign with New Balance. Flagg hails from Maine and signed with the Boston-based company because of his ties to New England. He wore the shoes growing up. 

Full draft lottery order:

1. Dallas Mavericks

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Philadelphia 76ers

4. Charlotte Hornets

5. Utah Jazz

6. Washington Wizards

7. New Orleans Pelicans

8. Brooklyn Nets

9. Toronto Raptors

10. Houston Rockets (from Phoenix)

11. Portland Trailblazers

12. Chicago Bulls

13. Atlanta Hawks (from Sacramento) 

14. San Antonio Spurs 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Verstappen Nears F1 Suspension After ‘Mario Kart’–Style Mayhem

The Red Bull driver received penalty points in Sunday’s race.

As TNT NBA Era Ends, Charles Barkley Calls ESPN Move an ‘Honor’

TNT’s final NBA game was Pacers–Knicks on Saturday night.
Oct 27, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) walks down the court during a time out during the first half at Paycom Center.

Pacers, Thunder Both Built Finals Teams Off Trading Paul George

George is a key piece of trivia in this year’s NBA Finals.

WNBA Championship Ring Boom: ‘Way Bigger. Way More Diamonds’

The Liberty’s WNBA championship ring value soared to $60,000.

Featured Today

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.

MSG Tickets for Potential Pacers-Knicks Game 7 Start at $1,100

The current get-in price for a potential Game 7 is $1,099.
Sha'Carri Richardson
May 29, 2025

Sha’Carri Richardson Enters Track Start-Up Fray With Alexis Ohanian

Richardson headlines a group of “advisor owners” with equity in the league.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) injures left shoulder whilte attempt to steal second base in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
May 29, 2025

Yankees-Dodgers Clash Draws TV Spotlight, Sky-High Prices

The teams’ lone regular-season series features three nationally aired games.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
May 29, 2025

Panthers Clinch Stanley Cup Final Appearance, Stir Up Dynasty Talk

The Panthers clinched a third-straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
May 29, 2025

NCAA Exploring March Madness Expansion to 76 Teams in 2026

NCAA president Charlie Baker said March Madness discussions are ongoing.
Softball
May 29, 2025

MLB Makes Eight-Figure Investment in New Softball League 

Athletes Unlimited and Major League Baseball announced the deal Thursday morning.
May 25, 2025; MONACO; McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix alongside third placed McLaren's Oscar Piastri and McLaren chief executive Zak Brown at Circuit de Monaco.
May 28, 2025

F1’s Monaco GP Draws Third-Largest U.S. Audience Amid Track Criticisms

F1 will race in Monaco until at least 2031.