Mavericks Eye Mathurin Trade To Boost Flagg’s Rise

The Dallas Mavericks are making waves as the 2026 NBA trade deadline approaches, and the basketball world is buzzing with speculation. At the heart of the conversation? A potential blockbuster deal involving Daniel Gafford and Bennedict Mathurin—a move that could reshape the future of both the Mavericks and the Indiana Pacers, and, perhaps most intriguingly, offer a new layer of support for Dallas’s rookie sensation, Cooper Flagg.

Let’s set the stage. As of January 23, 2026, the Mavericks find themselves on the fringe of the playoff race, hungry for a spark that could ignite their postseason hopes. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers, eyeing a return to championship contention in 2026-27, are actively shopping Bennedict Mathurin in search of a starting-caliber center to pair with star guard Tyrese Haliburton. The two teams’ needs seem to dovetail perfectly, making a trade not just plausible, but potentially game-changing for both franchises.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Pacers are “widely searching for avenues to turn Mathurin—who's destined for restricted free agency—into a starting-caliber center to slot alongside Tyrese Haliburton next season in hopes of helping restore the Pacers to championship contention in 2026-27.” That’s where Daniel Gafford enters the picture. Gafford, a solid interior presence, has drawn interest from multiple teams, but Dallas’s willingness to part with him could hinge on the chance to land an offensive weapon like Mathurin.

Bennedict Mathurin isn’t just any young player. At 23, he’s already established himself as a dynamic scorer, averaging a career-best 17.8 points and 2.2 three-point field goals per game this season while shooting a robust 36.6% from beyond the arc. His shooting splits are particularly eye-catching: he’s hitting 37.8% on catch-and-shoot threes and 35.5% on pull-up attempts in 2025-26, demonstrating a versatility that’s rare for a player his age. For context, Mathurin buried 41.3% of his catch-and-shoot threes in 2024-25 and 38.6% the year before, underscoring his consistency as a perimeter threat.

But what makes Mathurin such an intriguing fit for Dallas? The answer lies in the Mavericks’ rookie phenom, Cooper Flagg. Flagg, just 19 years old, has taken the league by storm in his first season. Through 41 games, the forward is averaging 18.8 points on 47.8% shooting, with 2.2 turnovers per game and a clutch scoring ranking that places him ninth in the NBA. His ability to get downhill—shooting 53.5% on 11.4 drives per game—has silenced critics who questioned his perimeter skills and physicality coming out of college, where he averaged 19.2 points on 48.1% shooting in 37 games.

Flagg’s rapid development hasn’t gone unnoticed. Tim MacMahon of ESPN published a mid-season report this week, drawing comparisons between Flagg and teenage NBA legends like LeBron James. The reviews from league insiders have been glowing. One Western Conference scout described Flagg as “better than advertised,” while an Eastern scout called him a “winning player.” Perhaps most tellingly, a Western Conference general manager said, “his greatest strength is his competitiveness.” According to MacMahon, “the common sentiment became clear: Flagg is an uber-talented, uber-driven star-in-the-making.”

Flagg’s intangibles—his mindset, relentless drive, and commitment to winning—have become the foundation of his early success. Analysts once questioned his ability to handle perimeter pressure, score in isolation, and absorb contact. Now, less than 50 games into his rookie campaign, those doubts have largely evaporated. His low turnover rate, clutch performances, and fearless drives to the basket speak volumes. As MacMahon put it, “the intangibles will define him, not his raw skill.”

Still, even a budding superstar needs help. That’s where Mathurin could make a world of difference. By acquiring Mathurin, the Mavericks would add a shot creator perfectly aligned with Flagg’s developmental timeline. Mathurin’s off-ball prowess—his ability to thrive on catch-and-shoot opportunities—would alleviate pressure on Flagg, giving the rookie more room to operate and less responsibility to carry the offensive load alone. It’s a move that could simplify the game for Flagg and, in turn, unlock even more of his potential.

There are, of course, financial considerations. Gafford’s three-year, $54,380,290 contract extension is set to kick in soon, and moving him would give Dallas some much-needed flexibility. Mathurin, on the other hand, is approaching restricted free agency this summer. If things don’t pan out, the Mavericks wouldn’t be locked in long-term, making the gamble a logical one for a team looking to build around Flagg’s unique talents.

For the Pacers, the appeal is clear. Swapping Mathurin for a proven starting center like Gafford could shore up their interior defense and provide a reliable pick-and-roll partner for Haliburton. With Mathurin’s impending free agency and the team’s desire to maximize their window with Haliburton, the timing feels right for a bold move.

But let’s not forget the human element. Both Mathurin and Flagg are young, hungry, and brimming with upside. Mathurin’s career averages—16.1 points per game and 20.2 points per 36 minutes—reflect a player still scratching the surface of his potential. Flagg, meanwhile, is improving at a rate that even his most optimistic supporters didn’t anticipate. As one scout put it, “what he can be is better than you think, and what he will be has a less volatile floor than you realize.”

So, what happens next? The trade deadline is looming, and both teams have crucial decisions to make. Will Dallas roll the dice on Mathurin, betting that his skill set is the missing piece for Flagg and the franchise? Or will Indiana find a different partner for their young guard, holding out for a bigger haul? One thing’s for sure: the NBA world will be watching closely, and the outcome of these negotiations could reverberate for years to come.

As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, the Mavericks and Pacers are at the center of one of the league’s most intriguing storylines. Whether a deal gets done or not, the potential swap of Gafford for Mathurin has already sparked debate among fans, analysts, and executives alike. And for Cooper Flagg, the chance to share the court with a dynamic scorer like Mathurin could be just what he needs as he continues his meteoric rise. The action is far from over—stay tuned.