Cooper Flagg Shut Down by Mavericks After Strong Summer League Showing

Posted : 14 July 2025

The Dallas Mavericks have decided to shut down No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg for the remainder of the 2025 NBA Summer League, sources confirmed to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. The decision comes after the rookie delivered a standout 31-point performance on Saturday against No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs.

Flagg’s second game in Las Vegas saw him bounce back from a shaky debut, where he struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting against the Los Angeles Lakers. On Saturday, however, he hit 10-of-21 from the field in a more aggressive and composed showing.

"It’s a new environment, a new setting," Flagg said postgame. "They wanted to see me be aggressive, and I think I did that better today—getting to the line, getting fouled helped me settle in early."

Despite missing several free throws, Flagg appeared more comfortable and in control. His performance was lauded by Mavericks Summer League coach Josh Broghamer, who emphasized Flagg’s smart decision-making and off-ball movement.

"He just continues to make the right plays," said Broghamer, highlighting the 6-foot-9 forward’s awareness and versatility.

Veteran NBA journalist Marc Stein was the first to report the Mavericks’ decision to sit Flagg for the rest of Summer League. The move is seen as a precautionary measure to preserve the rookie after already showcasing his potential.

Nuggets Finalize Trade for Jonas Valanciunas Amid European Interest

The Denver Nuggets have officially completed a trade with the Sacramento Kings, acquiring Jonas Valanciunas in exchange for Dario Saric, ESPN confirmed Sunday. The deal, initially reported on July 1, had drawn added attention due to interest from Panathinaikos, a top club in Greece, which had been pursuing the veteran center.

Despite those rumors, sources told ESPN that the Nuggets fully expect Valanciunas to honor the remaining two years and $20 million on his NBA contract. The first year, worth $10.3 million, is fully guaranteed.

Valanciunas is expected to play a crucial role backing up Nikola Jokic, filling a long-standing void in Denver’s rotation. Last season, the 6-foot-11 center averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds while splitting time between the Kings and Wizards. In contrast, Saric had limited playing time for the Nuggets.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Valanciunas cannot pursue overseas opportunities unless a formal buyout agreement is reached between the player and the franchise.

Denver’s Busy Offseason Continues

The Valanciunas deal is one of several major moves for Denver’s new front office, led by Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace. The Nuggets also executed a trade sending Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Cameron Johnson.

In free agency, Denver secured the services of Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., bolstering the supporting cast around Jokic. The flurry of activity underlines the Nuggets’ commitment to strengthening their roster following recent playoff disappointments.

As the offseason continues, both Dallas and Denver appear to be setting clear strategies—developing young talent while fortifying experienced depth—to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference.

Cooper Flagg Shut Down by Mavericks After Strong Summer League Showing

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