Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins suggested that the Mavericks should consider trading their projected No. 1 overall pick, Duke sensation Cooper Flagg, to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for veteran superstar Kevin Durant.

Cousins argued that Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison has publicly stated the team is in a three-year championship window, and he believes Flagg, a young prospect still developing, does not fit that immediate timeline, whereas Durant does.

The Mavericks secured the top pick after a surprising draft lottery win, positioning themselves to select Flagg, widely regarded as a generational talent and potential franchise cornerstone. However, the team’s shocking trade of Luka Doncic earlier in the season has left fans and analysts questioning the front office’s direction. Cousins’s proposal adds fuel to speculation that the Mavericks might prioritize short-term success over long-term growth by acquiring a proven veteran like Durant.

Why the trade could “kill” Nico Harrison’s tenure

While Durant remains an elite scorer at 36 years old, trading away Flagg would likely cripple the Mavericks’ future. Flagg, who won multiple collegiate awards and led Duke to the Final Four, represents a rare talent with a high ceiling and the potential to be the franchise’s foundation for years to come.

Although Flagg will need time to adjust to the NBA, his youth and upside contrast sharply with Durant’s advancing age and injury history.

Many believe that such a trade would “kill” Nico Harrison’s credibility as the Mavericks’ general manager. Harrison has faced criticism since the blockbuster Doncic trade, and giving up the No. 1 pick for an aging star could be seen as a desperate move that sacrifices the team’s future for a narrow championship window.

The Mavericks would have to clear significant salary cap space and part with valuable assets to acquire Durant, potentially leaving them without enough depth or flexibility to remain competitive beyond the next few seasons.

Broader implications for the Mavericks

The Mavericks’ situation highlights the tension between building for the future and chasing immediate success. While Durant’s presence could make Dallas an instant contender, the risk of mortgaging the team’s long-term prospects is high. Cooper Flagg’s arrival offers hope for sustained competitiveness and a chance to rebuild around a young star.

Currently, all signs point to the Mavericks keeping the top pick and selecting Flagg, as the front office has publicly expressed confidence in the young prospect. Still, Cousins’s trade idea reflects the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Mavericks’ direction and the pressure on Harrison to deliver a championship quickly.