As the Dallas Mavericks mull over their options at this year’s trade deadline, there could be a three-team deal that would give them a potential Cooper Flagg running mate: Jaden Ivey. The Detroit Pistons guard was the No. 5 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but injuries have plagued his young career.

Now, back on the court, he’s struggling to find his footing. And as the Pistons look to make a run in the Eastern Conference, they could consider shipping out Ivey in hopes of finding more win-now help, which could come from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who may want to take a swing for Daniel Gafford.

All sides could be interested in the potential swap.

Mavericks should consider a trade for Jaden Ivey

Here’s a full breakdown of the possible three-tem trade:

Mavericks receive: Jaden Ivey

Pistons receive: Lu Dort

Thunder receive: Daniel Gafford, Second-round pick (via DET)

Things haven’t gone swimmingly for the Mavs this season, though they’ve found a small groove since getting Anthony Davis back (which makes a ton of sense).

However, despite their lack of wins, Cooper Flagg looks like the generational talent he was promised to be. Now, their focus should be on putting the right pieces around him.

Ivey hasn’t played well this season. He’s struggled with efficiency and finding his place in the Pistons’ lineup. But sometimes, especially for young players, a new home can change everything.

There’s a reason Ivey was selected with the fifth pick just three years ago. He’s very clearly a talented basketball player. Sending out Gafford (when the Mavs still have Davis, Lively, and PJ Washington) in order to take a chance on his potential would be a very intriguing idea.

He’s still only 23 years old, and if he pans out, he could be a perfect running mate to pair alongside Flagg in Dallas.

For the Pistons, putting Dort next to Cade Cunningham would be lethal. He’s the perfect type of defensive-minded player they should want running the two alongside their superstar.

And as they look to traverse a wide-open Eastern Conference, he could be a huge help, especially once the playoffs roll around, as he would be taking on some big-time defensive matchups.

Lastly, the Thunder are inevitably going to have to make some cost-cutting moves to avoid the second-apron. Flipping Dort for Gafford would allow them to decline Isaiah Hartenstein’s team option this summer, ducking the second apron for another year.

Then, Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace could help make up for the minutes OKC would lose by trading Dort.

If this deal were to be put on the table, Dallas should definitely be interested.