Kendrick Perkins Warns Anthony Davis And Cooper Flagg Could Make Dallas Mavericks A Dangerous Power On The 2025-26 NBA Championship Radar
The NBA has always been a league defined by bold predictions, surprising moves, and sudden rises to contention. Every season brings a wave of new narratives that reshape the championship picture, and every offseason sparks debates about which teams are positioning themselves for long-term success. Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is never shy about offering his perspective on where the league is headed, and his latest comments have set the basketball world buzzing. According to Perkins, the Dallas Mavericks are a team that could be on the verge of a massive leap, thanks to the presence of Anthony Davis and the rising phenom Cooper Flagg. His warning to the rest of the league is clear: if Dallas lands this combination of proven superstar and elite prospect, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA by the 2025-26 season.
When Perkins speaks, people tend to listen, not only because he won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 but also because he has developed a reputation for blunt honesty and a willingness to say what others might avoid. He has never been afraid to stir controversy, and his prediction about Davis and Flagg in Dallas is no exception. But while some might initially dismiss it as another headline-grabbing statement, a deeper look reveals that there is substance behind the claim. The Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, have already established themselves as a consistent playoff team. Adding a generational talent in Flagg and a proven big man in Davis could tilt the balance of power in the Western Conference.
To understand why this prediction carries weight, it’s important to consider the current state of the Mavericks. Luka Dončić is arguably one of the top three players in the world, a generational offensive force who has combined elite scoring with remarkable playmaking ability since entering the league. He has already carried Dallas deep into the postseason, including a Finals appearance. What the Mavericks have lacked, however, is a true co-star who can consistently shoulder some of the burden, especially in the high-pressure moments of playoff basketball. Kyrie Irving has provided flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with durability and consistency. The front office has done its best to build around Luka, but the missing piece has always been a blend of defensive presence, interior dominance, and additional scoring punch. That is where the combination of Davis and Flagg becomes intriguing.
Anthony Davis, despite the criticism he sometimes receives for injuries, remains one of the most dominant two-way players in basketball when healthy. At his best, Davis is a defensive anchor capable of protecting the rim, switching onto smaller players, and completely disrupting an opponent’s offensive game plan. Offensively, he has the versatility to score inside, stretch the floor with mid-range jumpers, and play effectively in the pick-and-roll. Pairing Davis with Dončić would immediately give Dallas one of the most dangerous inside-out duos in the NBA. Luka’s ability to create open looks for his teammates would maximize Davis’s efficiency, while Davis’s defensive impact would cover up some of the Mavericks’ long-standing issues on that end of the floor. For Perkins, the prospect of Davis landing in Dallas is not far-fetched, given the Lakers’ shifting priorities and the constant movement of stars across the league.
But perhaps the most exciting part of this potential formula is the presence of Cooper Flagg. Widely considered one of the top young prospects in basketball, Flagg has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest forwards to ever play the game. At 6’9” with elite athleticism, a polished offensive game, and a relentless motor, Flagg is projected to make an immediate impact in the NBA. His defensive instincts, ability to handle the ball, and growing perimeter shooting touch make him a rare all-around talent who could quickly rise into superstardom. For Perkins, the thought of Flagg landing in Dallas, where he could grow alongside Dončić and Davis, represents the type of scenario that shifts the league’s balance for years to come.
The idea of mixing proven stars with generational prospects has always been a formula for long-term success. History is filled with examples of teams that paired veteran leadership with emerging talent to dominate the league. Think of the San Antonio Spurs drafting Tim Duncan while still having David Robinson, or the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar before Magic Johnson entered the league. The Mavericks adding Davis to anchor their defense and Flagg to provide the next wave of talent would create a roster that blends present power with future security. Perkins sees this as more than just a dream scenario—he sees it as a legitimate path if Dallas makes the right moves and benefits from a bit of fortune.
Of course, there are challenges to making this vision a reality. Davis would need to be willing to leave Los Angeles, something that depends on both his relationship with the Lakers organization and his personal career goals. Cooper Flagg, as a top prospect, would need to be acquired through the draft, which requires either lottery luck or a savvy front office move to secure the pick. The Mavericks have not always been considered the luckiest franchise when it comes to acquiring top prospects, but recent history has shown that aggressive teams often find ways to land their targets. The NBA is increasingly a league where bold moves are rewarded, and Dallas has the motivation to position itself as a championship contender during Luka’s prime years.
Perkins’s warning is not just about roster construction—it’s about momentum. The NBA landscape is constantly shifting, with teams like the Nuggets, Celtics, and Bucks currently among the favorites, but windows of opportunity are fragile. Injuries, trades, and the emergence of new stars can quickly reshape the hierarchy. Dallas, with Luka as its foundation, is already on the brink of breaking into the elite tier. Adding Davis and Flagg would not only solidify their status but potentially elevate them to favorites. The Western Conference, long considered a gauntlet, would have to adjust to the reality of a Mavericks team with size, versatility, and star power that could rival anyone.
Perkins has also emphasized the cultural impact of such a move. Dallas is not traditionally seen as a destination franchise in the way that Los Angeles, Miami, or New York are, but recent years have shown that winning and star power can change that perception quickly. Luka Dončić is already one of the most marketable players in the league, and pairing him with Davis and Flagg would create a global brand capable of attracting further talent. The Mavericks could become not only a basketball powerhouse but also a franchise that dominates the conversation on and off the court. Perkins’s warning, then, is not just about wins and losses—it’s about the potential for Dallas to redefine its place in the NBA landscape.
Skeptics will point out that this is all hypothetical, and that projecting future rosters is always fraught with uncertainty. Injuries, draft lotteries, and player decisions cannot be predicted with precision. However, Perkins’s comments resonate because they tap into a deeper truth about the NBA: success is often built on bold visions that others initially dismiss. Few people predicted the Golden State Warriors dynasty before it happened, or that the Milwaukee Bucks would climb to the top of the mountain with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Teams that combine elite talent with the right organizational moves are always capable of rewriting the script. In that sense, Perkins is less making a wild prediction and more highlighting a possibility that deserves serious consideration.
If the Mavericks were to land both Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg, the implications would be felt across the entire league. Rival teams would scramble to adjust, the Western Conference playoff picture would be altered dramatically, and Dallas could become a perennial contender for years to come. Luka Dončić’s prime would be fully maximized, and the Mavericks’ fan base would have a new era to rally around. For Perkins, the message is simple: don’t sleep on Dallas, because the combination of Davis and Flagg could make them the team everyone fears.
The NBA thrives on speculation, and Perkins’s warning adds fuel to the ongoing conversation about where the league is headed. While no one can predict the future with absolute certainty, the scenario he outlines for Dallas is one that fans, analysts, and rival teams will watch closely. Whether or not it comes to pass, the idea itself highlights the ever-changing, unpredictable, and thrilling nature of professional basketball. As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Mavericks to see whether they can turn potential into reality.
