ESPN analyst suggests Dallas Mavs trade No. 1 pick for former South Garland star
ESPN analyst Jay Williams had a surprising name when suggesting the Dallas Mavericks trade their recently acquired No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
While one of the names Williams suggested, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has already been linked to the Mavs by others like Brian Winshorst, one name caught many by surprise.
That name was Tyrese Maxey, a point guard from the Philadelphia 76ers who averaged 26.3 points 3.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game last season. A Texas native, he attended South Garland High School before attending the University of Kentucky and was drafted No. 21 overall.
Maxey is one of the best young guards in the NBA with an elite first step and quickness, and has developed into one of the best three-point shooters in the league while making consistent improvements, winning the NBA’s most improved award in 2024.
Trading the pick would mean giving up the opportunity to draft Cooper Flagg, the consensus top prospect and a player many pundits believe will blossom into a superstar.
Williams listed Maxey, Antetokounmpo, and Devin Booker as possible trade options, citing the Mavs’ previously established championship window.
“When I look at the value. Could you potentially package something like this to get a Giannis? Could you package in a one-on-one trade to get a Devin Booker? Could you get a Tyrese Maxey? If your championship window is in 2-3 years, could you utilize that pick and some assets to get somebody who’s ready to contribute to you right now with the pressure in the [Western Conference]?”
His panelists were aghast at the suggestion, saying fans would revolt if the team traded the selection after trading Luka Doncic earlier in the season.
NBA fans will have to wait till the NBA Draft takes place at 7 p.m. on June 25 at the Barclays Center.
