An NBA executive who spoke with NBA Analysis Network believes Luka Doncic could request a trade from the Dallas Mavericks next summer if the team doesn’t “take a huge leap forward” in 2023-24.
“There has been a lot of talk about Luka leaving Dallas,” the NBA exec said. “I’m here to completely confirm that talk. If the Mavs don’t take a huge leap forward this season, I think he starts forcing his way out of town.”
Doncic signed a five-year, $215.2 million designated rookie contract extension with the Mavericks in August 2021. The 2018-19 NBA Rookie of the Year averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists last season while shooting 49.6% from the field, 34.2% from beyond the arc, and 74.2% from the free-throw line. Doncic recorded 36 double-doubles and 10 triple-doubles.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Mavericks missed the play-in tournament last season after making the Western Conference Finals in 2022. Doncic said, “Something’s got to change for sure” during his end-of-the-season press conference. The Mavericks were only 5-11 in games Doncic and Kyrie Irving played together. That was the worst winning percentage (.313) for a pair of teammates who were both All-Stars since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976-77, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
This summer, the Mavericks re-signed Irving and Dwight Powell, signed Seth Curry, Dante Exum and Derrick Jones Jr. and acquired Grant Williams from the Boston Celtics and Richaun Holmes from the Sacramento Kings. Dallas also spoke with Doncic about decreasing his preferred playing weight, according to NBA reporter Tim Cato of The Athletic. Doncic was listed at 230 pounds last season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic & Dallas Mavericks Updates
If the Mavericks don’t compete for a championship next season, rumors about Doncic wanting out will certainly heat up. It’s going to be fascinating to see how many games Dallas wins in 2023-24.
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