In one of the most unexpected twists of the offseason, the Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery despite holding just a 1.8 percent chance. It’s a quick turn for a franchise that just moved on from Luka Doncic and now suddenly finds itself positioned to potentially select Cooper Flagg, one of the most anticipated prospects in years.
Now, you don’t get this kind of timing without people around the league starting to wonder what’s next for the team. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison already made one of the most shocking moves in NBA history. With the top pick in his pocket, nobody is ruling out the idea that he does something just as bold again.
With Milwaukee Bucks’ early exit, the speculation around Giannis Antetokounmpo is back. If he does consider a change of scenery, the Mavericks might be in a better position than most to act. Sam Amick of The Athletic recently explored this idea and noted that Giannis fits the Mavericks’ timeline and needs.
Per The Athletic:
“Conversely, now is the time for Giannis to get clarity on what all of the interested teams might be able to put together if he came their way, as well as what might remain if they pull off a trade. It’s widely known that the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have the goods, and the gall, to get something done that might allow the Bucks to rebuild in a meaningful, competitive way. The New York Knicks and the Nets are expected to be in the running if these sweepstakes become an actual thing.
The Dallas Mavericks — somehow — landed the No. 1 pick on Monday night and could now entertain the prospect of putting it on the table for someone of Antetokounmpo’s ilk. We have previously reported that Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, architect of the Luka Dončić trade, is expected to be in win-now/defense-wins-championships/Nike-superstar mode again this summer. Giannis checks all of those boxes.”
