Mavericks trade idea reunites $54 million guard with Anthony Davis bold roster shake-up

The 2024-25 season was full of surprises for the Dallas Mavericks.

A year removed from a run to the NBA Finals, the Mavs shocked the world by trading franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Despite their troubles, they managed to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, allowing them to select Duke phenom Cooper Flagg.

Now, with a roster that includes the likes of Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and potentially Flagg, the Mavericks' general manager, Nico Harrison, could look to add more offensive power.

Sports Illustrated's Jackson Caudell proposes a massive three-team trade that would send Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves to the Mavericks.

Mavericks Receive: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Georges Niang, Shake Milton, a 2027 2nd round pick (from ATL, via CLE), and a 2029 2nd round pick (from ATL, via CLE)

Hawks Receive: Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington

Lakers Receive: Dereck Lively II and Terance Mann

"While losing Lively might hurt, Reaves is just what this team needs and can lead the team while Irving is hurt. They still have Daniel Gafford and when Irving gets back, he and Reaves fit together alongside Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis and Gafford," Claudell wrote. "Knecht is a prospect who they can see how he fits with the team, and Niang is a veteran forward who can provide shooting in the regular season. With this deal, they can compete for the playoffs in the tough Western Conference."

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In this proposed deal, the Mavericks would once again be parting ways with the Lakers, this time by gifting them Dereck Lively II. Losing an elite shot blocker like Lively II could be a significant blow. Lively played a major role for the Mavericks during their 2024 Finals run thanks to his ability to protect the rim and his interior defense.

However, acquiring Austin Reaves would soften the blow. Reaves is fresh off a breakout season for the Lakers, one in which he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on an efficient 46.0% from the field and 37% from behind the arc.

Reaves reuniting with Davis could be an ideal scenario for the Mavericks, providing them with another offensive option, as Irving is likely to miss most of the 2025-26 season, and Cooper Flagg is still expected to be finding his rhythm as a rookie.

More NBA:Lakers predicted to cut ties with Austin Reaves, acquire Luka Doncic's ex-$22 million teammate