Immediately after winning the NBA Draft Lottery on the same day rumors surfaced that superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could be interested in playing elsewhere, many wondered if the Dallas Mavericks would entertain putting the top pick on the table in a potential trade. It appears that will not be the case, putting an end to any speculation almost as quickly as it started.
Per ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks will not trade their top pick, even in a deal for a superstar. MacMahon says Patrick Dumont, who just finished his first year as the Mavericks' governor, considers the pick a "gift." Despite letting GM Nico Harrison trade away Luka Doncic, it appears Dumont will not allow a deal involving Flagg to transpire.
No pick, no Giannis Antetokounmpo. Cross Dallas off the list of potential suitors.
Dallas won't be among the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade destinations
The only reason Dallas would have been in the running in the first place would be if the Bucks could pry that top pick, which will become Cooper Flagg, away from them. Trading Giannis away, something everyone is waiting to see if he truly wants, would be devastating, but getting the first overall pick and a player who many think has superstar potential would have been a nice immediate boost in return.
Dallas, though they'd certainly love to have the Greek Freak, simply doesn't have anything enticing to grab Milwaukee's attention outside of that pick. If Giannis Antetokounmpo asks out, the Bucks will be asking for a historic haul, including high picks and compelling players, something Dallas doesn't own.
Dallas may be out, but the two other Texas teams, San Antonio and Houston, won't be. Both teams are loaded with assets, and the Spurs' chances got even stronger after landing the second overall pick just behind Dallas. If teams are lining up to make an offer, San Antonio will likely be the more serious threat, which could be nightmarish for the rest of the NBA.
Before any talks about trading Giannis Antetokounmpo become legitimate, the Greek Freak must make his intentions clear. Whether he's committed to Milwaukee or wants to look elsewhere in his quest to win more championships, the Bucks have a big summer coming up. One thing is for sure: no matter how it goes, likely first overall pick Cooper Flagg will not be rocking green next season.
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