Everyone loves a breakout NBA star. It’s an underdog story. We may see a player as being on a particular tier. In the end, we may learn that something was holding them back.
Take Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks. When he was on the Dallas Mavericks, he looked solid. Brunson appeared to be the type of guard who could carry your second unit. On the other hand, nobody thought he’d emerge as the dark horse MVP candidate he currently appears to be.
Was Luka Doncic holding him back? Perhaps. It wasn’t intentional – Doncic was an established star. The Mavericks understandably didn’t see a need to increase Brunson’s usage. Could they duo reunite on the Knicks this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Julius Randle, C Mitchell Robinson, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Luka Doncic
Some stars come out of left field. Others are less surprising. Everyone knew Doncic would be a star – didn’t they?
Not exactly. Doncic was selected with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III were selected ahead of him. To some, Doncic’s future stardom was clear. To others, athletic limitations had the potential to hold him back.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks Updates
So much for that concern. Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA. He should have been picked first in that draft. Could the Mavericks part with him?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
They may not have a choice. Rumors have persistently claimed that Doncic could request a trade if the Mavericks fall short in 2023-24. As a superstar, he’ll be able to influence his landing place to an extent as well. Who would be surprised if Doncic wanted to play in Madison Square Garden?
It’s not all bad for the Mavericks. The Knicks have the assets to make them a compelling offer. In this economy, the Mavericks should be happy with three unprotected firsts and a swap.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks Updates
In all likelihood, they’d shop Randle and Robinson throughout the season for additional assets. The Mavericks would likely trade Kyrie Irving as well. If Doncic requests a trade, they’ll rebuild. Should the Knicks be the team to send them assets?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
It depends on how the remainder of this season goes. If the Knicks advance to the Finals, or even the Eastern Conference Finals, they may want to hold. The Knicks could prefer to keep their assets and move forward with the group they have.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Knicks make a push for a star this summer. This team has cautiously held onto its most valuable assets. Why not spend them on one of the best playmakers in the NBA?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks Updates
We’re not worried about the fit between Brunson and Doncic. Now that Brunson has established himself, we can assume that Doncic will defer to him at times as his co-star. Together, they could carry the Knicks to glory – they could be the breakout contender of 2024-25.
