Whenever an NBA team has a top-flight superstar, it’s almost become second-nature for many to start the countdown to when an eventual trade request will occur. Any down stretches along the way is the latest example of why that superstar will ask out.
In the case of Luka Doncic, he led the Dallas Mavericks to a Western Conference Finals appearance last season. However, Jalen Brunson departed to the New York Knicks in free agency, and Dallas has received diminished supporting cast production to begin the season with a 9-8 record.
With the Mavericks having a near .500 start to the season despite receiving an incredible start from Doncic, concerns from some have been raised about what he may be thinking about his situation. The way Christian Wood’s situation has been handled makes navigating their roster all the more challenging.
In an interview with WFAA’s Joe Trahan, Doncic was asked about whether fans should worry about him staying with the Mavericks long-term. Doncic addressed the question by saying that fans shouldn’t worry.
“I don’t think they [should] worry about it. I have five years left here so I don’t think they should be worried about it,” Doncic said.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Doncic said that it would mean “everything” for him to win a championship with the Mavericks. Doing so will require a lot of work and there is no shortage of formidable opponents, but regardless, that’s his priority.
“That’s everything,” Doncic said about wanting to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy with the Mavs. “Everybody wants to win the championship. I want to win the championship here. It’s our goal. It’s the same every season. It’s a lot of work to do. There are so many great teams in the league. Anybody can beat you at this point. You have to be really ready.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Mavericks currently lack a second All-Star and are without their 2023 first-round pick to make a significant trade. Given how many teams have stacked up on draft capital in recent years, there will be no shortage of competitors in any blockbuster trade.
Doncic’s future with the Mavericks will remain a storyline to monitor, which tends to be the case for all of the NBA’s superstars at this point. However, he’s still in the first year of a five-year, supermax contract — making it a while before this becomes an urgent matter.
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