What If The Dallas Mavericks Want To Add Another First-Round Pick in The 2025 NBA Draft?
A deeper dive into how the Mavs could trade for another first-round pick in the NBA Draft, and who they might target. Written by Drew Stayman.
As the NBA draft approaches, there are many things to be excited about as a Mavs fan. With it being a near certainty the Mavericks will select highly-touted prospect Cooper Flagg, the future of Dallas basketball looks bright again. With this new age of Mavericks basketball comes new questions regarding roster construction. Today, we will dive deeper into how the Mavericks can start the Cooper Flagg era by acquiring another pick in the back half of the first round by trading a veteran while getting under the second apron and gaining additional roster flexibility.
To understand why the Mavs would trade a high-level role player such as Daniel Gafford, or PJ Washington, we have to take a look at the second apron restrictions they are currently facing:
1. Cannot aggregate salaries in a trade (i.e., no packaging players)
2. No access to the taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE)
3. Cannot trade a player they just acquired until the next offseason
4. Can’t sign buyout players who made over the MLE.
These are a few of the restrictions the Mavs would currently be facing if the roster stays the same after drafting Cooper Flagg. These restrictions would keep the Mavericks from utilizing some very helpful roster construction tools. What if Dallas decides it wants to get under the second apron? Assuming that is the case, let’s look at some ways the Mavericks can do just that.
My favorite idea is getting into the back half of the NBA Draft by trading PJ Washington or Daniel Gafford. Don’t get me wrong, Washington and Gafford are both incredible players that have done really good things while in Dallas. They are both equally important to this team with the well-documented injury history of Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II. Currently, both Gafford and Washington are set to be free agents in 2026 and should expect a pay raise on each of their next contracts. If the Mavericks are not ready to pay either one of these two, then they should be looking to replenish draft assets with their current contracts.
What could a trade look like?
A trade that sends Gafford or Washington with only a draft pick in return is a little complicated. The team Dallas would deal with would have to have a trade exception, or cap space available to take salary in without sending salary back. Two trades that include Daniel Gafford could include…
- Daniel Gafford to Atlanta, Pick #22 to Dallas
- Daniel Gafford to Brooklyn, Pick #19 to Dallas
These two trades seem the most plausible to me, as Brooklyn has the most cap space in the league and Atlanta has a trade exception that would allow them to absorb Gafford’s contract without attaching salary. Doing this allows Dallas to have two top-25 picks while also getting under the second apron for an expiring contract. A move like this could give the Mavs another young, intriguing prospect to come in with Flagg on a cost-controlled deal.
Who would the Mavs take at 19 or 22?
If the Mavericks pulled off a trade to get into the late teens or early 20s, I could see them targeting a backup center or ball handler with Kyrie being out until at least January.
Maxime Raynaud is a prospect they could look at if Gafford is moved. Raynaud is a stretch big from Stanford who had a very strong combine showing and could easily slot in as the backup to Lively and Davis. Some of his strengths include:
- Size + Length: Legit 7-footer with solid frame, great interior presence.
- Soft Touch: Reliable around the rim and in pick-and-pop. Has shooting upside (mid-range, occasional 3s).
- Passing Vision: Smart high-post passer with good reads in motion sets.
- Rebounding: Strong on the glass (especially on the defensive end).
- Basketball IQ: Plays within himself, makes quick, sound decisions.
Another prospect Dallas could look at is Nolan Traore. A once regarded top-five prospect coming into the draft, Traore is a 6’4 point guard who has drawn comparisons to Lonzo Ball. If the Mavs like the upside enough, I could see them taking a swing on Traore as a ball handler to grow next to Flagg and Lively.
Some of Traore’s strengths include :
- Elite Pace + Poise: Plays with a veteran feel; controls tempo exceptionally well.
- Pick-and-Roll Savant: Advanced decision-maker — can score or manipulate defenses with passes.
- Change of Direction: Shifty handle with excellent footwork; tough to stay in front of.
- Mid-Range Game: Smooth pull-up jumper, especially off P&R action.
- Vision & Feel: High-IQ passer with creativity; sees windows early.
The last prospect I could see being a fit for Dallas is Jase Richardson. Son of former NBA Vet Jason Richardson, Jase projects as a dynamic combo guard with athletic upside and has drawn comparisons to former top-five pick, Reed Sheppard.
Some of Jase’s strengths include :
- Athletic Guard: Quick first step, vertical pop, and good body control at the rim.
- Scoring Versatility: Can hit tough shots — floaters, mid-range pull-ups, and transition finishes.
- Defensive Potential: Active hands, solid lateral quickness, and plays with effort.
- Pedigree & IQ: Son of NBA vet Jason Richardson; he plays under control with strong instincts.
As the Mavericks usher in the Cooper Flagg era, adding another first-round pick presents a rare opportunity to reshape the roster with youth, financial flexibility and long-term sustainability. Trading a valuable veteran like Daniel Gafford or PJ Washington may feel like a short-term sacrifice, but doing so would help Dallas avoid the punishing restrictions of the second apron and recoup much-needed draft capital. With cost-controlled talent like Maxime Raynaud, Nolan Traore or Jase Richardson available in the late first round, Dallas could balance immediate competitiveness with long-term growth. This approach sets the stage for a more versatile, modern Maverick team built around Flagg, Anthony Davis and a supporting cast that fits the present and prepares for the future.