‘Fear Exists’ Luka Doncic Might Request Trade from Mavericks
Mark Cuban may be in danger of losing Luka Doncic before next season if he does not receive the help he needs in Dallas.
After reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2022, the Dallas Mavericks’ 2022-23 season collapse climaxed last night. The Mavs lost 115-112 in a home game to the tenth-seeded Chicago Bulls. This loss officially eliminated Dallas from getting into the play-in tournament, and the playoffs.
Doncic only played during the first quarter, and the first possession of the second quarter. Furthermore, Kyrie Irving, Josh Green, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and Christian Wood all did not play. It was clear Dallas had given up on their season, and were protecting their top-10 pick in the 2023 NBA draft — which is a disappointing slap to the face of Mavs fans, considering they will not even qualify for the lottery selection.
Tim McMahon of ESPN reported that “fear exists” within the Mavericks organization that Doncic may want out of Dallas via trade this offseason.
“There’s a strong sense of urgency within the organization to expedite the process before Doncic loses faith in the Mavs’ ability to build a contender around him. He’s wrapping up the first season of a five-year, $215 million supermax contract with a player option for the final season.”
The Mavs have been trying to acquire complimentary pieces for Luka for the better part of three years. Their inability to do so was painfully evident this season. Meaning that Doncic requesting a trade would not be a huge shock despite being under contract.
Jalen Brunson Loss and Kyrie Irving Experiment Tanked the Mavs
Irving was acquired by the Mavericks in a trade back in early February. The Mavs traded Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029. At the time, Dallas had a record of 29-26 and looked poised to at least make the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Mavs, the flavor combination of Doncic and Irving failed miserably.
Dallas has recorded a record of 9-17 since making the Irving trade. Mark Cuban traded two solid role players and mortgaged future draft picks for a player that made no positive impact. Coupled with an overworked Doncic, the Mavs have some serious issues to address this offseason.
The Mavericks woes began in September when they lost Jalen Brunson to New York in free agency. Brunson has averaged 24 points in 68 games this season for the Knicks. Doncic has definitely suffered the most on the court with the loss of Brunson. After trying to fill this gap on the team with Irving, it became evident quickly that the chemistry was not the same. Losing Brunson in free agency was the first domino to fall in a season that spiraled out of control in Dallas quickly.
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