The Dallas Mavericks changed the trajectory of the Western Conference with one move last season, and that was trading Luka Doncic to a team many are rivaled with: the Los Angeles Lakers. This adjusted the playoff hopes for several teams, now, and more importantly for the future, as Doncic will be running the NBA for numerous years ahead.
However, Nico Harrison and the Mavericks could have done it twice, as, coincidentally, the team that made the most absurd trade in NBA history won the 2025 draft lottery odds for the first overall pick. They could have used their luck in various ways, such as bringing Giannis Antetokounmpo into the Western Conference, but drafting Cooper Flagg was of greater importance.
Had they let go of the pick and fumbled Flagg, Harrison would have added to the list of misses in Dallas' history. More particularly, his recent years are frowned upon, as Oliver-Maxence Prosper's choice did not work out.
In fact, the former first-round pick was recently waived, and one of Dallas' other selections, Jaden Hardy, is expected to be holding on by a thread for his future with the Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks are waiving 2023 first-round pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper via stretch provision, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 29, 2025
With the LA Clippers' young core being weak, Lawrence Frank should offer a second chance to Prosper and/or Hardy, as both are deserving of it.
The LA Clippers should take advantage of what Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks missed out on
Although Jaden Hardy is under the rumors as the next Dallas Maverick to be traded, their front office has already decided on the fit of Oliver-Maxence Prosper by waiving him. He is the first youngster the LA Clippers should soon focus on adding.
Furthermore, in two seasons with the Mavericks, Prosper averaged 3.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists, playing 10 minutes per game. This is not much for a team to have a complete analysis on someone and move on, yet Nico Harrison did so, and it could become a major loss.
Prosper would still be in the public eye as several other Clippers' reserves and rookies, like Kobe Sanders and Yanic Konan Niederhauser, to prove himself, but because barely any time has passed since he was drafted, the six-foot-eight power forward belongs on a team.
That said, the Clippers should offer Prosper a two-way deal to develop him while testing him in the process. There could be games during the regular season where Tyronn Lue will need him, and these call-ups will be his best opportunity to demonstrate growth.