Luka Doncic’s future (and Kyrie Irving’s) with the Dallas Mavericks is up in the air, but one NBA insider believes the former doesn’t have the stomach to force his way out of the franchise.
Speaking to Heavy, “The Mavericks are not going there, and everyone knows it,” a Western Conference executive said. “There is just no way. The only way he can force a trade is to sit out like Ben Simmons did and anyone who knows anything about Luka knows he is not going to do that. There’s just no way.”
The source further went on to add that Doncic hasn’t been in the league long enough to start making a move that could see him exit the Mavericks.
“Anyone saying they’re going to trade him isn’t looking at the facts, or it is wishful thinking. Why trade him? You have him signed through 2027. This is not an issue until 2025 or 2026. That’s just the reality, the way the CBA is set up.”
Doncic has been a bona fide superstar for the Mavericks, and despite his stellar season, he has been unable to push the side to the offseason. The team made the move to add Kyrie Irving ahead of the trade deadline, but the extra firepower wasn’t enough as the franchise bowed out of the playoffs race.
This season saw the Slovenian average 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists, but his consistency wasn’t enough for Dallas to make the postseason after they make the Western Conference Finals last season.
With Irving skipping the exit interview, Dallas is still in limbo about his future with the side, and a potential departure may see Doncic mull over his stint with Dallas. Although, sources suggest otherwise for now.
Luka Doncic Quashes Rumors Of Asking For A Trade From The Mavericks
In related news, one of the reports doing the rounds was Doncic shutting down rumors that he would ask for a trade this summer.
“I saw the report. I don’t know who, but somebody said that I was going to request a trade,” the guard said. “It was funny because I didn’t know that was true. I didn’t say it. I’m happy here. There’s nothing to worry [about].”
Assuming the Mavericks get Irving to stay, which Mark Cuban said was his top priority in the summer, the side can breathe easy as Doncic would pretty much stay put and focus on building ample chemistry with the 30-year-old former NBA champion.
All isn’t lost for the Mavericks, even though their campaign ended in the most disappointing fashion. But they do have two quality ball players, and maybe some smart upgrades would be the way to go as they gear up for the next season.
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