Despite his initial visible shock at Monday’s draft lottery results, Cooper Flagg is “thrilled” about joining the Dallas Mavericks, sources told ESPN. Dallas secured the top pick with just a 1.8 percent chance of winning the lottery.
Sources indicate the Flagg camp quickly recognized the advantages of landing with a playoff-caliber roster featuring established veterans. The Mavericks also have a clear positional need at small forward that Flagg can immediately fill.
Dallas will expect Flagg to take on significant offensive responsibilities as a rookie, similar to his role at Duke. This approach should benefit his long-term development as he adapts to the NBA level.
The Mavericks will not entertain trade offers for Flagg and will add him as a core piece alongside Anthony Davis and presumably Kyrie Irving, who is currently recovering from a torn ACL and could become a free agent this offseason.
Dallas plans to re-sign Irving despite his injury setback, forming what they believe could be a championship-contending trio with Davis and Flagg.
Dallas moved up 10 spots in the lottery, which ties the Orlando Magic in 1993 for the highest jump in NBA lottery history.