NBA Rumors: Is there trouble brewing between the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic?
Just a couple of weeks ago, Luka Doncic was setting the NBA playoffs on fire as the Dallas Mavericks took an unlikely 2-0 series lead over the LA Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. The Mavs would go on to blow that 2-0 series lead, along with a 3-2 series lead, to lose to the Clippers in Game 7.
Adding injury to insult, it’s now being reported that there could be trouble brewing (subscription required) between the Mavs and Doncic.
On one hand, this could just be the start of a front-office shake-up for the Mavs and perhaps nothing more than just that. After the big move for Kristaps Porzingis fell flat on its face, it would make sense. Someone should take the fall for such a move.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
- NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24
When the Mavs added Kristaps, it was thought that he would be the second star next to Doncic and together they could make a move up the Western Conference standings. Two years after the trade, that hasn’t exactly worked out.
The Dallas Mavericks need to find help for Luka Doncic
In fact, Kristaps hasn’t been a great fit on the team and has looked like nothing more than a productive supporting player. That could not be what the team had envisioned when they originally made the move.
Luka needs a strong second star next to him and you can’t help but wonder how far the Mavs would’ve gone in the playoffs this season had they had one. Luka on his own nearly pulled off the upset of the Clippers. With a strong second star next to him, you could make the case that they possibly could’ve made a run to the NBA Finals.
Whatever is the case within the Mavs’ front office, it’s clear that they need to figure it out sooner rather than later. Luka is expected to sign the supermax extension this summer, but that is far from security from a team standpoint. Especially in today’s era where players hold all the power, whether they’re under contract or not.
The hope is that this is nothing more than a warning shot to Dallas’ front office. But they have to tread carefully right now. Luka is one of the brightest superstars in the NBA right now. The last thing that they need to do is find ways to tick him off.