The Mavericks, after facing much heat in the February trade, made a comeback by getting the No. 1 pick, which changes everything in the league. And not just for them, for the whole NBA as we know it. The rumor mill is churning out trade ideas by the second, with Giannis Antetokounmpo being at the forefront of it all. He’s been linked to literally all 29 teams in the NBA. We won’t truly know his destination till his conversation with the Bucks takes place at the end of the season. But Charles Barkley decided to get ahead of it all and bring up an idea that sees the Greek go to Dallas to team up with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

“Anthony Davis’ health is a legit question. But if you put Cooper Flagg on that team, they’re not going to win a championship next year. I love Cooper Flagg, but AD and Cooper Flagg half the year with Kyrie- they’re not going to win the championship,” started Barkley on the Mavs situation if they get Cooper Flagg into the mix. And he’s right. You need to do more than just bring the Duke graduate and hope for the best.

Anthony Davis, an injury-prone player, is not getting any younger. On top of that, Kyrie Irving is projected to miss at least half of the next season. By the time Flagg starts setting the league on fire, the pair won’t be in a position to really fight for championships until they still can. So, Sir Charles proposes this: trade Flagg for prime Giannis Antetokounmpo on a $175 million contract, and see the results for yourself. “But if you give me AD, Giannis, and then Kyrie come in later, we got a better team,” said Barkley on NBA on TNT. Controversial, again? For time to decide. But we got ESPN Insider Tim MacMahon to set the record straight.

As the Mavs’ inside reporter, there’s no way he sees Nico Harrison making such a move. “Yeah, I just don’t see that being a move that Nico Harrison makes as the Mavericks general manager,” said Tim Mac on Brian Windhorst & the Hoop Collective.There’s more to it, though. While Tim doesn’t think this scenario is ideal, the Mavs squad needs a lot more than just Cooper Flagg to change fortunes. “I’m only saying that because I never imagined Luka Doncic should get traded. I agree with you. I do not [think] Cooper Flagg is going to be a Maverick [certainly], but it does feel like there’s still going to be some rather big moves ahead for the Mavericks this summer because this roster currently doesn’t make sense.” And those roster moves come in the form of an offensive initiator.

Tim MacMahon tells Mavs to keep Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg, and get Tyus Jones or Dennis Schroder instead of Giannis

With Flagg on the team, Dallas has the offensive firepower that can win championships. Yes, Flagg will take time to nurture into a world beater. And by that time, Kyrie and Anthony Davis could be well over the hill. But there’s one key ingredient missing- an offensive initiator. They need another Luka Doncic kinda player to create things and make magic happen. That can come in the form of Detroit’s Dennis Schroeder or the Suns’ Tyus Jones.

“Maybe there’s not much of a market there for him and I don’t think they could afford Dennis Schroeder. Maybe not, but again, that type of veteran, you know, or like a Tyus Jones even, you know, cause it’s not like, if you can get the ball to AD and, uh, you know, and even play Thompson, these guys in their spots that like they have offensive firepower, they just don’t have the offensive initiator,” said Tim MacMahon on Windy’s pod.

The German signed a 2-year, $25,430,250 contract with the Toronto Raptors before going on a journey through the NBA. He ended up with the Pistons earlier this year, earning $13,025,250 for the year. While he might cost a bit for a 32-year-old, his UFA status could change plans for Nico Harrison. And it’s the same situation with Tyus Jones. His $2,087,519 salary might look more appealing, considering the 4-year gap between him and Schroeder. Their initiation could help the likes of Thompson, Irving, and (tentatively) Flagg thrive.

It goes without saying that the Mavs have a busy off-season ahead. Cooper Flagg will be a diamond in the rough and a long-term investment. But Nico Harrison has admitted a need for short-term glory, which would mean getting Giannis Antetokounmpo. This could fit Charles Barkley’s narrative as well. What do you think they should do?