TITLE: Mavericks hopeful on Cooper Flagg’s return; Wizards eye Trae Young extension; Middleton remains in Dallas; Tyus Jones waived; concerns grow over Darryn Peterson
SLUG: mavs-flagg-return-wizards-young-extension-middleton-jones-peterson
CONTENT:
The Dallas Mavericks are increasingly confident that rookie forward Cooper Flagg will soon be back from the mid-foot sprain that has kept him out since the All-Star break, according to Marc Stein. Flagg is listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s home game against Charlotte but could appear later in the week during the club’s three-game road swing—Thursday in Orlando, Friday in Boston and Sunday in Toronto. The No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, who grew up in Maine, is averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Trae Young expected to sign summer extension
League sources told Stein that Trae Young and the Washington Wizards are on track to finalize a projected three-year extension this offseason. Young holds a $49 million player option for 2025-26 that would be declined if a new deal is reached. The guard was traded after the Atlanta Hawks declined to negotiate a fresh contract. Despite optimism about his long-term future in Washington, executives around the league doubt Young—sidelined with knee and quad issues—will play again this season, as the Wizards aim to preserve their lottery position. Washington currently owns the NBA’s fourth-worst record; its first-round pick is top-eight protected and would otherwise convey to the New York Knicks.
Middleton stays put in Dallas
Khris Middleton opted against pursuing a buyout that would have cost him his Bird rights, choosing instead to finish the season with the Mavericks. The 32-year-old forward, set to become an unrestricted free agent, remains eligible for a sign-and-trade this summer. Dallas, which values his locker-room presence, is open to re-signing him. Middleton is averaging 12.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in eight appearances for the team.
Tyus Jones hits open market
The Mavericks waived Tyus Jones on Saturday, giving the veteran guard the chance to latch on with a playoff contender. His next destination has not yet surfaced. Houston had been viewed as a potential bidder for a veteran point guard after the trade deadline, but the Rockets currently have no plans to add to their roster.
Scout wary of Darryn Peterson at No. 1
One evaluator from a lottery-bound franchise told Stein he would not select Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson with the top pick, citing the prospect’s inconsistent availability and lingering questions about durability.
Source: Hoops Rumors
