Luka Doncic is having another outstanding season for the Dallas Mavericks in 2023-24, but if this campaign ends in disappointment, he might consider his options. NBA insider Ian Begley is reporting that Doncic may become unhappy in Dallas if they don’t impress in the playoffs.
“According to NBA insider Ian Begley, if DAL disappoints in the playoffs, there are whispers around the NBA that Luka may become unhappy in DAL.”
According to NBA insider @IanBegley if DAL disappoints in the playoffs, there are whispers around the NBA that Luka may become unhappy in DAL. The Knicks can offer 7 1sts + 3 swaps for his services this summer. Would YOU give up the house for Luka if he became available? pic.twitter.com/OUwIc7cYXy
— Eddie Presti (@EddiePresti_) February 11, 2024
As Eddie Presti points out, the New York Knicks can offer a massive haul of seven first-round draft picks to go with multiple pick swaps for Doncic. They would also have some solid pieces to offer in a trade, so should the Slovenian ask out, the Knicks would certainly be a team to keep an eye on.
They are having an excellent 2023-24 season, but I believe the Knicks need that superstar if they are to get over the line and win a championship. Doncic, who is averaging 34.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 9.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game this season, would be just that.
I would also say there is a good chance that the Mavericks have a disappointing end to this season. At this point, it is somewhat safe to assume that the Mavs, who are currently eighth in the West with a 30-23 record, won’t be one of the top four seeds come playoffs.
That means they’d be on the road in the first round against teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Denver Nuggets. While I would give the Mavericks a shot at beating any of those four as they have Doncic and Kyrie Irving, they could very well be dumped out by them as well. Would a first-round exit lead to Luka wanting out? Possibly.
The 24-year-old is under contract through the 2025-26 season, though, after which he has a player option worth $48.9 million for 2026-27. So, the Mavericks wouldn’t be under pressure to trade him, as they wouldn’t be at immediate risk of losing him for nothing.
Luka Doncic Spoke On Whether He Thinks Of Leaving The Mavericks
There has been talk for years now about Doncic leaving the Mavericks someday. Their terrible 2022-23 season, in which they missed the playoffs, only strengthened that notion. Earlier in this campaign, Doncic was asked if he thinks about leaving the Mavericks.
“I’m not sure. I feel great here. They drafted me and I’ve felt like it’s home since day one. I am really happy with where I am at. We made some great moves this offseason. Yeah, I am happy here.”
For the longest time, I thought the Mavericks did not do a good job of surrounding Doncic with the kind of talent he would need to contend for a title. I do believe they are doing a better job now, as they took a big swing last year by acquiring Irving. While the results weren’t great, it was at least a sign of intent.
They then acquired Dereck Lively II on draft night, which has proven to be a great decision, and have now also made two good acquisitions at the trade deadline in P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. While the Mavericks still don’t seem like serious title contenders, it does look like they are headed in the right direction as of now.
Doncic was happy with the Mavericks’ moves at the trade deadline, and they need to keep adding good pieces around him to start creeping into title-contender status.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
