Overview

• Dallas’ selection of Duke forward Cooper Flagg at No. 1 follows a 1.8% lottery win and positions the teenager as a cornerstone with heavy two-way expectations.
• Betting markets list Flagg as a prohibitive Rookie of the Year favorite at roughly -200, with Washington’s Tre Johnson the next choice at about +850.
• Analysts highlight a frontcourt logjam that jeopardizes PJ Washington’s role in a contract year; his $14.15 million expiring deal remains without an extension as of Aug. 19.
• Fadeaway World floated a speculative swap sending Jordan Hawkins to Dallas for Klay Thompson, Olivier-Maxence Prosper and a 2032 first-round pick, underscoring the search for shooting.
• Kyrie Irving’s ACL recovery projects a return in January or February 2026, with Dallas bringing in D’Angelo Russell to help stabilize the backcourt in the interim.