The Dallas Mavericks will make the first pick of the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25.
That means it’s a great time to answer a few questions via X, formerly known as Twitter, in the first mailbag of the offseason.
There are plenty of topics to discuss as the Mavericks finalize their preparations for what could be another transformational offseason when they presumably select Cooper Flagg — the consensus best player in this draft cycle.
Without further ado, let’s talk all things Mavericks and the 2025 offseason.
Think they’ll try to get another first round pick later in the draft?
— William (@William_g_h_9) May 28, 2025
Mike Curtis: That’s a good question. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility. The Mavericks are taking home the ultimate prize with Cooper Flagg being the obvious choice at No. 1. Jason Kidd’s latest comments from Tuesday’s appearance on 105.3 The Fan further indicate “the kid from Duke” will wear a Mavericks cap once his name is called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
“This is a talented draft,” Kidd said. “We have some very talented young men, but the kid from Duke is very exciting and has a promising future. We’ve been studying him a lot.”
With that being said, it’s always possible for Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison to orchestrate a trade to acquire another first-round pick, especially since his team is devoid of future first-round draft capital from 2027 until 2030. First-round picks are extremely valuable these days because of the first and second apron cap restrictions that discourage team-building strategies centered around multiple supermax contracts. Adding another first-round pick could be in the cards, but whether it happens during this draft or later in the offseason — if Harrison trades for a playmaking guard — remains to be seen.
Are there any rumors or discussions among insiders regarding Chris Paul's to the Mavericks?
— 🌇🌴眉毛左衛門🐴🏙 (@We3Love23Davis) May 28, 2025
Mike: Chris Paul will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and could seek to move on from the San Antonio Spurs after just one season. The Spurs acquired De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline and first-year guard Stephon Castle became this season’s Rookie of the Year. Not to mention, San Antonio owns the second pick behind Dallas and could opt to select Rutgers guard Dylan Harper to pair with Fox and Castle. Paul, 40, appeared in all 82 games this season and could use that impressive feat to finish his career elsewhere. NBA insider Marc Stein reported last month that Paul is “a name to watch” for the Mavericks, alongside Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball. Paul would be a quality addition for the Mavericks’ veteran-heavy roster.
What's your thoughts on Tyus Jones for the min?
— JohnnyUtaH (@JohnUtAh2016) May 28, 2025
Mike: Shortly after the season ended, I wrote a story highlighting five players the Mavericks could target in free agency. Last week, I wrote a similar story highlighting five guards the Mavericks could pursue in a trade. Tyus Jones, who is also going to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, was not on the initial list of free agents. Jones was supposed to be the prototypical point guard the Phoenix Suns needed to orchestrate an offense built around Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. However, Jones lost his starting spot once former Suns coach Mike Budenholzer took Beal out of the starting rotation. Jones was productive overall last season. He’s a 10-year veteran who averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 assists in 81 games last season, 58 of which he started. Jones has proven he can run an offense, but there are better options on the market this offseason.
Flagg said "Coach Scheyer is always really honest with me. We have a lot of honest conversations…That is something that is always important to me."
— DweeLer | Mavs w #1 pick (@dweeler) May 28, 2025
Do you think Kidd can establish that same level of candid, honest dialogue with Flagg?
Mike: Kidd has earned respect among his players, coaching staff and even former teammates for his candidness. He’s not shy about being brutally honest when his team isn’t playing up to standards, but he’s usually the first to point out the positives as well. I think Kidd can establish the same level of honest dialogue with Flagg. That relationship-building process will get started during the pre-draft process and will likely evolve throughout the summer once Flagg is an official member of the Mavericks.
Are we getting Chris Paul or another pg? And is a forward gonna be moved assuming we draft cooper flagg?
— pikmanchu (@pikmanchu) May 28, 2025
Mike: See above for my comments on Chris Paul, but acquiring a point guard is one of the Mavericks’ main priorities this offseason outside of selecting Flagg in the draft and Kyrie Irving’s player option. Also, just because Flagg will likely be drafted doesn’t necessarily mean a forward has to be moved. Sure, Flagg’s addition will mean there won’t be as many minutes to go around, but the Duke freshman will a group of forwards that includes Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. You want to have as many versatile wings as possible in today’s NBA economy. The Mavericks will be in a good position to create that makeup with the addition of Flagg.
X/Twitter: @MikeACurtis2
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