If we look at 3 potential teams that the Slovenian star could join if he leaves the Dallas Mavericks
Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks have had a slow start to the season, going just 16-16 and currently in ninth place in the Western Conference. While the three-time All-Star has yet to express his disillusionment with the Mavericks organization, there has been much speculation that he might do so if Dallas fails to build a contender around him.
While every team would surely want to sign Doncic, who turns 24 in February and is already an established superstar, three teams stand out as potential suitors. If Doncic had a no-trade clause or an expiring contract, it could be possible that he could make his way to his desired destination, but with a lot of team control, Dallas will be looking for a big buyout and knocking out teams like the LA Lakers and The Brooklyn Nets, who are short on trade funds.
The main potential suitor for Dončić is another big market franchise, the New York Knicks. It’s no secret that the Knicks have been looking for a star to be the face of their franchise. While they weren’t willing to put all their assets on the table for Donovan Mitchell, they almost certainly would have for Doncic. The Knicks have seven first-round picks in the next three drafts and a total of eleven first-round picks that can be traded. They also have young talented players that would surely impress the Mavericks front office.
While it is Golden State Warriors they don’t have as many picks as the Knicks, but they do have the right to their own first-round pick every year except 2024. The Warriors also have some young players full of potential who have already shown the ability to produce at the NBA level.
Finally, Oklahoma City Thunder they represent a wild card as they don’t often look for talent via trade, but players like Dončić are not often available. The Thunder have 15 first-round picks in the next five drafts, including 10 over the next three years. They also have a roster of young talent, with only two players on their roster over the age of 25. Plus, with Doncic locked in through 2026-27, they wouldn’t have to worry about him leaving in free agency. Pairing Doncic with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would give the Thunder the best backcourt in the league.
The most likely option is that Luka Dončić stays in Dallas. While he may be starting to feel uneasy, the front office has all the leverage with plenty of time left on his contract.
Watch Luka Dončić’s highlights below:
Luka Dončić traded to the Atlanta Hawks
Luka Dončić has already been traded once in his NBA career. Immediately after the Atlanta Hawks selected him third overall in the 2018 NBA draft, Dončić was sent to the Dallas Mavericks. In exchange, the Hawks received fifth overall pick Trae Young and the Mavericks’ 2019 first pick.
While there have been debates over which of the two players had the better career, both franchises were clearly happy with the trade. It remains to be seen if either player can lead their franchise to a title.
Check out more highlights from Luka Dončić below: