For years, fans have speculated if fellow Europeans Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic would ever team up together in the NBA. Unfortunately for them, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon shut down that speculation on an episode of ‘The Hoop Collective’ podcast. He explained the assets and salary cap rules both the Mavs and Nuggets have to comply with which makes any kind of trade nearly impossible.
“Neither one, we can talk about it going either way. I don’t see either one happening. The Nuggets don’t have the assets to pull off a blockbuster trade, certainly one that would have to be historic to get Luka.”
“And the same thing goes the other way for Dallas. It’s always going to be a thing, maybe later in their careers… For many, many reasons, I would put the likelihood at extremely slim.”
“Having said that, they are really good buddies. When the Nuggets come in town, Joker is over at Luka’s house having dinner. And vice-versa when the Mavs go to Denver.”
(32:15 onwards)
Jokic and Doncic have long been linked together as potential future teammates, as the two have formed a close friendship with each other. In fact, Dirk Nowitzki even recently commented about wanting to see them as teammates on the Mavs.
Being from Serbia and Slovenia, the two players come from similar cultures and have found some common ground and built a solid relationship with each other in that time.
However, as MacMahon pointed out, a deal of that nature is highly unlikely for the time being. And neither player is anywhere close to the end of their contract, meaning they cannot team up with each other in free agency. Fans are going to have to wait a few years to see Jokic and Doncic on the same team.
Of course, no one can say for certain, as the NBA has seen its fair share of bombastic trades that come from nowhere. But considering the salary cap rules and the competitive nature of both teams, working with a conference rival isn’t in the near future for either the Nuggets or the Mavericks.
Can Luka Doncic Become MVP Next Season?
Nikola Jokic is the reigning MVP, having won his third accolade last year. Luka Doncic finished third in MVP voting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The last few seasons, many have expected Doncic to take the leap and finally win his first MVP trophy.
However, the Mavericks’ less-than-stellar regular season record usually plays against Luka, as he has never been on a Mavericks team that has gone higher than the fourth seed during his time with the franchise.
However, that could change this season, as Doncic has the best cast of teammates he has ever had in his career. With Kyrie Irving now firmly established as his co-star, the Mavericks recently signed Klay Thompson in free agency. Thompson provides them with solid shooting and adequate defense, even after his injury woes.
If the Mavericks can replicate their high level of play from their Finals run this year, they could secure a top-three seed in the Western Conference, and clear the way for Doncic to win his first MVP trophy since joining the league.
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