When the Dallas Mavericks traded for Luka Doncic’s draft rights again in 2018, the expectation was that he can be a Mav for all times. With Dirk Nowitzki on his approach out throughout that season, the stage was set for Doncic to take his place because the face of the franchise and hopefully convey a championship again to the town.
That every one got here to a screeching halt when Doncic was shockingly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on a random February evening. No discover, no rumors, no commerce request. It was essentially the most surprising transfer in NBA historical past. Doncic was distraught on the transfer, reportedly feeling a way of betrayal, and it took him awhile to recover from it.
The Mavericks’ rationale (or Nico Harrison’s) for buying and selling away the celebrity was that they have been involved about Doncic’s capacity to remain wholesome and in peak form all through the period of his profession. This was even though Doncic simply led them to the NBA Finals and has been one of many NBA’s greatest playoff performers.
Since then, Doncic has acclimated as a Laker, entering into the perfect form of his profession and returning to his MVP-level type. Although Doncic did signal an extension with LA this previous summer time, Harrison’s firing left the door open for an intriguing chance.
The Mavericks could also be working to lure Luka Doncic again
Doncic has been on the document stating that he wished to be a Mav for all times. He wished to spend his profession with one staff and observe the trail of Nowitzki earlier than him. He wished to convey a championship again to the town and put down roots there along with his household.
Harrison took that likelihood away from him, however he was fired final month, and the entire unhealthy PR that got here from the Doncic commerce in Dallas is slowly fading away. They have been the epicenter of the basketball world for the final 9 months, for the entire incorrect causes, and it was due to Harrison’s inexplicable choice.
Doncic and Harrison additionally reportedly didn’t have the perfect relationship, as Harrison refused to accommodate Doncic and the truth that he was the celebrity participant. Rigidity had been constructing between the 2, even earlier than the commerce.
The Mavs may have a pathway to ultimately bringing Doncic again
The one factor concerning the NBA is that this: by no means say by no means. Doncic could have signed a three-year pact with the Lakers and has said that he’s joyful that LA is his dwelling, however the Mavericks have been his past love, and he has unfinished enterprise with that franchise.
We’ve got seen one thing related occur within the league earlier than. LeBron James left Cleveland again in 2010 for Miami, solely to return 4 years later and win a championship with the franchise in 2016.
Dallas is prone to reset their roster round Cooper Flagg very quickly, and with Harrison gone and Mark Cuban seemingly again accountable for basketball operations, a return to the Mavs for Doncic could possibly be one thing we see down the road. Fences would positively should be mended, however don’t be shocked if the previous prodigal son needs to return sooner or later.
