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With Jayson Tatum rehabbing a significant Achilles tendon injury, many believe the Boston Celtics will attempt to complete a blockbuster trade to help them survive the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Acquiring Kevin Durant is a viable option for the franchise. Still, there are legitimate rumors that the franchise could trade for Duke legend and probable No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft, Cooper Flagg.
On Sunday, the Celtics, who were second-round playoff exits this year after winning a title in 2024, received a big-time update about their chances of securing the future All-Star’s services.
“The Dallas Mavericks, owners of the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, have scheduled a private visit for projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg on June 17,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony wrote Sunday.
“The Mavericks have no plans to work out any other prospects for the No. 1 pick and have made clear publicly and privately that they plan on selecting Flagg when Adam Silver puts them on the clock to open the 2025 NBA Draft.”
“His selection will allow the Mavs' front office to officially turn the page on the Luka Doncic era, only four months after a stunning trade that sent the franchise stalwart to the Los Angeles Lakers, enraging their fan base and sending shockwaves through the NBA.”
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“Flagg is not planning on conducting any additional visits, sources said, and both sides are aligned on his arrival as the No. 1 pick in Dallas, where he will both step into a significant role and have a chance to immediately contend for a playoff appearance alongside several key veterans.”
Based on Givony’s report, the Mavericks appear all-in on Flagg, which eliminates the dynamic 6-foot-9 forward as a potential trade target for the Celtics.
Pivoting to Durant should be the top priority for Boston at this stage of the offseason. The two-time NBA champion and former Golden State Warriors star is nearing the end of his unsuccessful tenure with the Phoenix Suns.
A Jaylen Brown and Durant duo would give the Celtics the offensive firepower necessary to avoid missing the postseason in Tatum’s offense.
Brown’s forceful right-handed driving ability, combined with Durant’s smooth perimeter game at 6-foot-11, would be challenging to contain nightly.
That said, it’s fascinating to envision what Flagg, a do-it-all college phenom with superb physical tools, could have accomplished in Boston if the Mavericks weren’t keen on developing him alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
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