Mavericks Eye Bold Trade to Boost Cooper Flagg Era

Dallas considers acquiring Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein from Oklahoma City to complement their young star.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Dallas Mavericks are exploring trade options to build a roster that complements their newly established franchise cornerstone, Cooper Flagg. The team is targeting Oklahoma City Thunder's Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein, who could provide valuable defensive and versatile big man talent to support Flagg's development.

Why it matters

Assembling the right supporting cast around Cooper Flagg is crucial for the Mavericks' championship aspirations. Adding experienced, high-character players like Dort and Hartenstein could solidify the team's foundation and accelerate their rise as legitimate Western Conference contenders.

The details

The Mavericks are interested in acquiring Lu Dort, an elite wing defender who has also developed into a reliable shooter, and Isaiah Hartenstein, a versatile big man with strong pick-and-roll skills and rim protection. Both players' contracts include team options for the 2026-27 season, making their availability an important factor for Dallas's front office to monitor.

  • The NBA All-Star weekend has just concluded, setting the stage for the Mavericks to intensify their trade efforts.
  • Dort and Hartenstein's contracts, which include team options for 2026-27, are a key consideration for the Mavericks as they evaluate potential trades.

The players

Cooper Flagg

The newly established franchise cornerstone for the Dallas Mavericks.

Lu Dort

An elite wing defender for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has also developed into a reliable shooter.

Isaiah Hartenstein

A versatile big man for the Oklahoma City Thunder known for his high basketball IQ, rim protection, and pick-and-roll skills.

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What they’re saying

“Securing such talent is essential for championship aspirations, as these role players promote a culture of accountability and competitiveness that elevates the entire team.”

— Ron Harrod Jr., Dallas Mavericks beat writer (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The Mavericks will need to carefully evaluate the contract situations of both Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein, as their team options for the 2026-27 season could impact their availability and the team's long-term plans.

The takeaway

By targeting experienced, high-character players like Lu Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Mavericks are demonstrating a commitment to building a roster that can maximize Cooper Flagg's potential and accelerate their path to championship contention in the Western Conference.