The friendship between Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic was highlighted during the NBA All-Star Weekend. Off the court, the duo shares a strong bond, which is evident as they spent time together at the event in Indianapolis, representing the Western Conference All-Star team.
The question on many minds is whether they could play together for the same NBA team in the future. Jokic expressed openness to this idea when prompted.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
After the All-Star Game, a Serbian reporter asked Jokic about the possibility of teaming up with Doncic, to which he replied by expressing his disinterest in leaving Denver.
“I don’t know. It’s possible,” Jokic said. “I don’t want to leave Denver. I like it there, and it’s a great organization. But if Luka gets pissed off in Dallas, he can come.”
It seems unlikely that Jokic will leave Denver, as he appears committed to staying with the team. Similarly, if Doncic ever decided to leave Dallas, it’s expected that numerous NBA teams would vie for his talent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Currently, the Dallas Mavericks are performing well, with a record of 32-23, placing them seventh in the Western Conference. Despite this, Kyrie Irving has participated in only 33 of the season’s 55 games. Even with a mid-season trade to bring in P.J. Washington, there are concerns about the strength of Doncic’s support team, raising doubts about their ability to compete in a highly competitive conference.
Doncic, who signed a five-year, $215 million extension with the Mavericks in September 2022, still has two years and nearly $90 million guaranteed remaining on his contract after this season. However, the nature of NBA transactions means if Doncic wishes to leave, he’ll likely have a say in his destination.
