The Dallas Mavericks are in a similar spot this season as they were during the 2021-22 NBA campaign. They have an all-world player in Luka Doncic to build around, but his supporting cast could be compromised again.
Last season the Mavericks were able to sign Dorian Finney-Smith to an extension during the season, ending the speculation that he could be traded or leave in free agency. They could not agree with Jalen Brunson, who ended up signing with the New York Knicks in free agency.
This season, the same situation is playing out with Christian Wood. Wood was acquired from the Houston Rockets before the 2022 NBA Draft to help bolster the frontcourt. Dallas had traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline and wanted to upgrade in the offseason.
His role early in the season was undefined as he wasn’t sure how much he would play any given night. He has started the last 15 games that he has played in and his production has remained excellent. The Mavericks are much better with him in the starting lineup alongside Doncic and are winning more games.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
However, Doncic doesn’t want a repeat of last season. The Mavericks fell short in the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors, and the roster weakened in the offseason. Given the pull he has within the organization, he is starting to now flex some of that power, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
Sources said Doncic, who hasn’t shown a desire to be involved in personnel matters in the past, has strongly indicated he wants the Mavs to upgrade before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban later denied the validity of MacMahon’s report in a statement that MacMahon himself tweeted: “Tim MacMahon got it dead wrong. Luka has never suggested, asked, demanded or discussed changes to the roster.”
While making demands of that magnitude may not be in Doncic’s nature normally, something has to change this season. Dallas had arguably the worst offseason of any playoff team from last season and while they are currently fifth in the Western Conference, no one really considers them a true contender as currently constructed.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Getting Doncic some more help and upgrading the roster could change how people view the Mavericks. But, the possibility looms once again that the team’s No. 2 option could depart in the summer without the franchise receiving any compensation in return for them.
