The Dallas Mavericks are shaping up as one of the most intriguing teams to watch heading into the NBA trade deadline. Rumors have swirled around Anthony Davis potentially being moved, but a Davis deal is far from the only path Dallas could take to improve its roster. According to basketball analyst Bill Simmons, the Mavs might be considering a clever three-way trade involving the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors—one designed to provide crucial support for young star Cooper Flagg.
“They finally at least realized that Cooper Flagg, how to try to grow his career instead of ruin it,” Simmons said on his podcast. “But what if it was Jonathan Kuminga to Chicago, Coby White to Dallas, and then Daniel Gafford and an expiring to Golden State. Does anyone have to throw a pick into that trade?”
The proposal is certainly provocative. It highlights the Mavericks’ immediate need for guard help while also showing how a three-way deal could be mutually beneficial for all teams involved. Simmons pointed out that with Coby White returning to Chicago, the Bulls’ roster may already be complicated, making a trade involving Kuminga a plausible scenario.
For the Mavericks, the potential acquisition of Coby White could be transformative. White, only 25 years old, would provide a dynamic backcourt pairing alongside Cooper Flagg, giving Dallas both youthful energy and depth in a position that has been a glaring weakness. With young talent like Flagg still developing, adding a reliable guard could accelerate the team’s growth and improve its immediate competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the Bulls could benefit from adding Jonathan Kuminga, a versatile wing capable of stretching the floor and contributing defensively. Chicago has been searching for consistent wing production, and Kuminga’s skill set could address multiple roster needs while giving the Bulls added flexibility in both offensive and defensive schemes.
Golden State also enters the equation as a team that could see value in the deal. By acquiring Daniel Gafford and an expiring contract, the Warriors could bolster their frontcourt depth while gaining financial flexibility. Gafford, although not a centerpiece, provides size, shot-blocking, and experience—traits that make him a useful rotational player on a championship-contending team.
There are some hurdles, of course. Derek Lively II’s potential absence due to injury could make the Mavericks hesitant to part with Gafford, even if it’s in a multi-team deal. Furthermore, the intricacies of salary matching and roster composition mean that any three-way trade would require careful negotiation. Yet, the scenario laid out by Simmons is more than hypothetical—it’s a blueprint that could realistically address the needs of all three franchises.
The Mavericks’ front office faces pressure to make a move. Guard help is a priority, and whether it comes in the form of Coby White or another player, the team must act decisively to maximize Cooper Flagg’s development and bolster their playoff push. The urgency is clear: the trade deadline is fast approaching, and time is running out for Dallas to add the pieces that could change their season trajectory.
If this three-way trade were to materialize, it would not only reshape the Mavericks’ roster but also impact the Bulls and Warriors in ways that ripple across the league. For Dallas, it’s about securing talent to complement Flagg. For Chicago, it’s about adding a versatile wing. For Golden State, it’s about gaining depth and flexibility—all while keeping an eye on long-term competitiveness.
As the trade deadline looms, all eyes will be on Dallas. Fans, analysts, and rivals alike are waiting to see if the Mavericks will pull the trigger, and if Simmons’ proposed trade becomes reality, it could be one of the most intriguing deals of the season. The next few weeks could redefine the trajectory of three franchises and reshape the balance of power in the NBA.
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