Cooper Flagg could get a superstar running mate if Mavericks pull off this trade

The Dallas Mavericks' roster and front office have undergone a dramatic transformation since the franchise made the blockbuster decision to trade Luka Doncic. With a new leadership group in place and a fresh long-term vision, Dallas is now fully committed to building its future around the versatile talent of Cooper Flagg.

The Mavericks have already taken a significant step toward that vision. According to The Athletic, the Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers have held discussions about a potential blockbuster trade that would bring Kawhi Leonard to Dallas. For the deal, the Mavs are ready to give up on a package centered around P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and multiple draft picks.

“The Mavericks and LA Clippers have discussed a deal that would send the seven-time All-Star Leonard to Dallas for a package that would include P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft picks, league sources said,” the report read.

This ambitious pursuit is being led by Dallas' new president of basketball operations, Masai Ujiri. The strategy closely resembles one of the boldest moves of his executive career in 2018, when he acquired Leonard for the Toronto Raptors by parting with franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a first-round pick. The trade was considered a massive gamble at the time. But it paid off immediately by delivering Toronto its first NBA championship.

Leonard is entering the final season of his current contract and his long-term future with the Clippers is uncertain. Although he will turn 35, he continues to be one of the league's premier two-way players whenever he is healthy. Last season, he averaged a career-best 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.

If Ujiri successfully completes a deal for Leonard, it would represent a major shift in the Mavericks' direction. Pairing Flagg with a proven championship veteran will surely accelerate the team's return to the deep playoff run.

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