The Dallas Mavericks reached the Western Conference Finals last season, but lost Jalen Brunson in the offseason and there have been critics wondering whether they have enough talent surrounding Luka Doncic to compete for a title.
Doncic signed a five-year, $207 million max contract with the Mavericks in 2019. Doncic has a player option ahead of 26-27 season. Critically to signal his feelings towards the Mavericks, Doncic will be eligible for a supermax extension in 2025.
“I think they have a two-year window,” said Tim MacMahon on the Hoop Collective podcast. “This season and next season going into that [2024] summer. I think they have a two-year window where, you know, like Milwaukee did with Giannis [Antetokounmpo], I think in that window they really need to convince Luka that he has a chance to contend year in and year out right here in Dallas. If they can’t get it done in that two-year window, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that he’s going to force a trade or ask for a trade. I’m just saying at that point if he’s not happy, he has all the leverage in the world if he would be looking to leave.
“I’m also not going to pretend I know his innermost thoughts, but obviously I’m around this team on a regular basis. I know people who do know Luka well. I don’t think Luka will look for reasons to leave. I think he’d be perfectly happy spending his entire career in Dallas. But if he doesn’t have to look for reasons and they’re slamming him in the face, then that’s a problem.
“He’s also a guy who is a ruthless competitor, which means he loves winning. He’s used to winning. He won championships with Real Madrid. He won a EuroBasket championship with the Slovenian national team. He also detests losing. Like can’t handle it. Whether it’s cards, ping pong, but especially NBA games.”
The Mavericks are widely expected to be on the market for a significant trade to upgrade their roster next offseason, similar to the one Milwaukee made in 2020 for Jrue Holiday. The trade for Holiday led to Antetokounmpo signing his supermax with the Bucks.
“I would not hold your breath for them being able to solve their number one concern this year simply because of the pick they still owe on the [Kristaps Porzingis] thing,” added MacMahon. “It’s very hard to do.”
