The Boston Celtics recently made headlines that Duke star Cooper Flagg had a predraft interview with them. Widely projected to go No. 1 to the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg is not expected to be available when Boston picks at No. 28 in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Because of this, fans began speculating the Celtics could be eyeing a potential blockbuster trade with Dallas for the No. 1 pick. Shutting down this speculation last month, Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens confirmed the team met with Flagg, but said trading up for him is not possible
NBA Draft prospect Cooper Flagg
David Banks-Imagn Images
Weeks later a new Celtics-Mavericks trade report has surfaced. According to Jay King of The Athletic, Boston and Dallas could very well be trade partners this summer, just not for Flagg.
“The Mavericks could make sense as a trade partner for Boston (more on that soon), but not for the top pick,” King wrote on Thursday.
King highlighted All-Defensive guard Jrue Holiday as the possible key figure in any such deal.
“With Flagg set to join Anthony Davis in a deep frontcourt, the Mavericks have a chance to field a special defense,” he wrote. “Adding Holiday would only turn that group into more of a problem for opponents. Good luck scoring on him with Davis and Flagg behind him.”
King added: “Making the trade partner an even more logical fit, the Mavericks have a surplus in the frontcourt with Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively and P.J. Washington competing for minutes, plus some young players such as Max Christie who
