After a challenging few months for Mavericks executive Nico Harrison—marked by the controversial trade of Luka Doncic and several debilitating injuries, including Kyrie Irving’s torn ACL—the franchise experienced a remarkable turn of events. The Mavericks defied the odds by winning the lottery with only a 1.8 percent chance. This victory marks the second time in six years that a team trading a star to the Lakers has secured the No. 1 pick in the same year. Previously, the New Orleans Pelicans traded Anthony Davis to the Lakers and subsequently landed the No. 1 pick to select Zion Williamson in 2019. Now, after trading Doncic to the Lakers, the Mavericks find themselves in a similar position to potentially select Cooper Flagg.
In a noteworthy parallel, the WNBA’s Dallas Wings also claimed the No. 1 pick recently, selecting Paige Bueckers. Meanwhile, since trading Doncic, the Mavericks have embraced the slogan, “Defense wins championships.” This philosophy aligns perfectly with Flagg, who is widely regarded as the top prospect in a deep draft class. His versatility as a two-way forward fits seamlessly into the Mavericks' vision.
On the trade front, Dallas might consider dangling the No. 1 pick in pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, should he seek a change of scenery while the Mavericks are in win-now mode. However, ESPN has recently dismissed this scenario as a viable option. Looking ahead, Dallas eagerly awaits Irving’s decision regarding his nearly $43 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, PJ Washington ($14.15 million) and Daniel Gafford ($14.39 million) are entering the final season of their contracts and are extension-eligible. Dwight Powell also holds a $4 million player option, while Spencer Dinwiddie and Dante Exum are set to enter unrestricted free agency this summer.
Gafford, in particular, is a trade candidate to watch if he does not agree to an extension with the Mavericks. The 26-year-old center may seek a pay raise, especially with Davis already on a max contract and 21-year-old center Dereck Lively approaching extension eligibility in a year.
The San Antonio Spurs made a significant leap in the lottery, moving up from eighth to second, positioning themselves advantageously for the upcoming draft. Following consecutive Rookie of the Year selections in Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, the Spurs can add another impactful young player. Assuming Flagg goes to Dallas, Dylan Harper, a guard from Rutgers, is widely considered the second-best prospect, followed closely by fellow Rutgers forward Ace Bailey.
With established players like De’Aaron Fox and Castle in their backcourt, selecting Harper might be seen as a luxury. Should they opt for Bailey, he could become the team’s small forward of the future, given his offensive potential. With Wembanyama and Fox as franchise cornerstones and Castle coming off a stellar Rookie of the Year campaign, the Spurs could use their pick to engage in trade discussions for Antetokounmpo, should he seek a new environment.
After the lottery, Spurs general manager Brian Wright emphasized their focus on adding high-level talent: “You look at the teams still playing, and it’s high-level talent, and then you put the complimentary pieces around them. We feel like we’ve got a great young group.” Coach Mitch Johnson echoed this sentiment, stating, “When you jump into the top four, you put yourself in a place to make a really big acquisition with a really good player.”
The Philadelphia 76ers emerged as significant winners in the lottery after retaining their top-six protected first-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Following a season marred by injuries, 76ers President Daryl Morey expressed plans to keep the third overall pick, which could potentially be used to select Ace Bailey. Meanwhile, lottery representative Jared McCain provided positive news on his recovery from left knee surgery, indicating steady progress.
In coaching updates, assistant coach Bobby Jackson is a potential candidate to return to the Sacramento Kings, while Coby Karl is not expected to remain with the team. The 76ers are also looking to capitalize on their current roster to make a significant impact in the coming season.
The Utah Jazz, after finishing with the league's worst record this season, fell to the fifth pick in the lottery, presenting a challenging scenario. Despite the setback, there’s potential for significant improvement, as seen in the Detroit Pistons' recent turnaround after a similar fate. Had the Jazz secured Flagg, their frontcourt alongside Lauri Markkanen could have prompted a more aggressive approach in the trade market.
As the offseason approaches, Utah is monitoring John Collins’ $26.58 million player option decision. If Collins opts in, the Jazz will have several players on expiring contracts, including Collin Sexton ($19.18 million) and Jordan Clarkson ($14.29 million). The franchise is at a crucial juncture as it evaluates its core and potential moves to enhance the roster.
The New Orleans Pelicans fell three spots to the seventh pick in the lottery, creating a need for strategic decision-making. With a young frontcourt featuring Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones, the Pelicans must consider their options, especially with Dejounte Murray expected to miss significant time due to a torn right Achilles tendon and CJ McCollum entering the final year of his contract.
Despite the lottery drop, the Pelicans retain control of the Bucks’ first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, which could prove invaluable in trade discussions for Antetokounmpo should he seek a new situation. The future of Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown also remains uncertain under the new executive Joe Dumars.
The Brooklyn Nets experienced a minor setback, falling to the No. 8 pick, yet they hold five picks overall and possess the most cap space in the league this offseason. The franchise is exploring potential trades involving Antetokounmpo, but rival executives question their ability to assemble a championship-contending roster around him.
With the possibility of entering the restricted free agent market for players like Josh Giddey and Jonathan Kuminga, the Nets are preparing for a transformative offseason. They aim to make significant moves that could propel them into contention, avoiding a middle-ground finish that executive Sean Marks noted would not advance the franchise's goals.
The Toronto Raptors fell from seventh to ninth in the lottery but have a history of making successful selections at this position. With a healthy Brandon Ingram returning next season, the Raptors are focused on team growth and are considering their frontcourt options, including the future of RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl.
Poeltl is set to earn $19.5 million for the 2025-26 season and is eyeing an extension, while the team contemplates how to utilize younger players like Jonathan Mogbo and Jamison Battle. The addition of a rookie big man like Derik Queen could align with their plans as they seek to rejuvenate the roster.
The Houston Rockets have been linked to multiple star players, including Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, thanks to their stockpile of future draft picks and young assets. They recently postponed Fred VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option decision to June 29, allowing them to assess the trade market.
Management views VanVleet as a crucial part of their growth strategy, and both sides appear eager to work towards a deal. The postponement grants the Rockets more time to evaluate potential trades, including the possibility of acquiring Antetokounmpo and subsequently targeting Brook Lopez in free agency.
As the Chicago Bulls conclude the lottery with the 12th pick, they face a pivotal offseason filled with potential. The belief among league executives is that restricted free agent Josh Giddey aims for a lucrative contract similar to that of Jalen Suggs. Meanwhile, center Nikola Vucevic is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to attract trade interest.
With other players like Zach Collins and Coby White also on expiring contracts, the Bulls are closely monitoring their roster dynamics. A potential draft pick like Derik Queen could provide a fresh option, enhancing their chances of success in the near future.
