Mavs Consider Trading No. 9 Pick in NBA Draft

The Dallas Mavericks are exploring the possibility of trading their No. 9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, according to sources speaking to Jake Fischer of The People's Insider. The team is open to moving up or down in the draft order depending on how the pieces align. With a new coaching hire on the horizon and a revamped front office led by team president Masai Ujiri, the Mavs are entering a pivotal off-season.

Masai Ujiri has been clear about his vision for the team’s core. “I want to see how Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg fit together on the court,” Ujiri said earlier this week. Irving, 31, is coming off a career-low 20.1 points per game and is entering the final season of his contract. Flagg, a 6'9", 220-pound forward out of Duke, is projected as a top-10 pick and is expected to contribute immediately in Dallas.

Flagg’s college season was impressive. He averaged 18.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from three-point range. His combination of size, playmaking, and perimeter shooting makes him a strong fit alongside Irving, who is averaging 38.1% from beyond the arc over his career. Flagg’s style is reminiscent of a young Jimmy Butler with his defensive intensity and ability to impact the game on both ends.

The Mavericks’ decision on the No. 9 pick could determine the shape of their roster for years to come. The draft class is deep at the top, with projected No. 1 pick Zac Edey, a 7'4" center from Purdue, and No. 2 pick R.J. Barrett, a 6'7" wing from Kentucky. If Dallas moves up, they could target a player like Edey or Barrett. If they move down, they could acquire additional assets to bolster their wings or backcourt.

With the coaching search still ongoing, Dallas is expected to finalize a decision by June 1. The Mavs are evaluating several candidates, including veteran coach Terry Stotts and rising voices like Micah Nori and Royal Ivey. Ujiri has emphasized continuity and player development as key priorities.

The next move for the Mavs will come at the NBA Draft on June 27. Whether they stay at No. 9 or trade the pick, their decision will signal the direction of the franchise under Ujiri’s leadership.