2025 draft thread: THE MAVS SELECT COOPER FLAGG

[SleepingHero]

When you started, I thought this was a Gafford proposal.  Why not Gafford/Hardy for Ball/12 in the scenario where Chicago wants a center.

Makes it quite simple.

Gafford's going cost has already been established to be a 1st round pick. The 2024 pick was the 24th.

I think Gafford has upped his value since his time on the Wizards and is entering his prime. A late lotto pick for a team bereft at center isn't an insane return, especially considering Lonzo has only played 35 games in the past 3 seasons. 

Adding Hardy into this as a sweetener already makes an already even deal a bit sweeter for Chicago and clears Dallas' cap sheet to the green. Chicago has already put out ALL the signals that they are desperate for a center and are looking for one this draft. The 12th pick is a weird spot as all the top tier centers may be gone and they have to reach from the next tier to get their Vucevic replacement. Gafford solves that. Hardy gives them a dynamic scorer next to Giddey.

Truthfully a simple clear cut deal that makes sense for both sides. Not sure why so many think Gafford isn't worth that.

I will say, maybe turning it into a 3 team trade where BRK sells off one of their 4 FRP's to Chicago makes this an even better deal. They currently have 8, 19, 26, 27, and 36. Can't imagine they keep all of those.