What’s Next for Mavericks After Luka Doncic Trade?

The Dallas Mavericks have made one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, sending their 25-year-old superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, a 2029 first-round pick, and Max Christie. The move has sent shockwaves through the league and left fans questioning the future of the franchise. Here are five pressing questions the Mavericks must answer in the post-Doncic era.

1. What is the Outlook for the Rest of the Season?

Losing Luka Doncic is a devastating blow, but acquiring Anthony Davis still gives Dallas value in the short term. Davis, currently sidelined with an abdominal strain, is expected to return soon, bolstering a depleted frontcourt. With Dereck Lively II potentially out for the season due to a fractured foot and Maxi Kleber traded alongside Doncic, Davis will have to carry a heavy load alongside Daniel Gafford.

On paper, Dallas has a strong defensive frontcourt, resembling the Cleveland Cavaliers’ model with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The Mavericks also maintain solid spacing with PJ Washington and Klay Thompson on the wings, while Kyrie Irving remains a key playmaker. However, does this roster make Dallas a stronger title contender than before? The answer is likely no. The Mavericks reached the NBA Finals with Doncic and Irving in the backcourt, and despite defensive shortcomings, the team was built to complement their offensive firepower.

General Manager Nico Harrison stated that the trade was made with a 3-4 year plan in mind rather than the long-term future. However, compared to teams like the Thunder and Celtics, Dallas still appears to be a step behind in championship contention.

2. Should Dallas Be Concerned About an Irving Exit?

Kyrie Irving now becomes the team’s biggest question mark. He holds a $43.9 million player option this summer, giving him the chance to opt out and test free agency. If he leaves, it would be a catastrophic loss for the Mavericks, who made this trade to maximize their current window.

Reports suggest that Irving was blindsided by the Doncic trade, raising concerns about his commitment to the franchise. Irving initially joined Dallas to play alongside Doncic, and his close friendship with the Slovenian star could influence his decision. Losing both Doncic and potentially Irving in such a short span would be disastrous for the Mavericks’ immediate and future plans.

3. What Does the Future Look Like Beyond This Season?

Harrison’s vision for the future focuses on the next three to four years rather than a decade down the line. However, ignoring long-term planning could prove costly. Here’s where Dallas’ draft picks currently stand:

• 2027 first-round pick: Traded to Hornets

• 2028 first-round pick swap: With Thunder

• 2029 first-round pick: Traded to Nets

• 2030 first-round pick swap: With Spurs

Dallas retains its 2025 first-round pick and now owns the Lakers’ 2029 pick. However, without Doncic, the Mavericks lack the assets to build through the draft or trade for another superstar. If this current iteration fails, they will have no clear path to a rebuild, making this trade an incredibly risky gamble.

4. How Valuable is That 2029 First-Round Pick?

Initially, the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick seemed like a valuable asset, given the uncertainty of the team’s future post-LeBron James. However, by the time the pick is available, Doncic will still be in his prime, likely dominating the league and competing for championships elsewhere. The value of the pick diminishes significantly when compared to what Dallas gave up.

Furthermore, the Mavericks failed to acquire L.A.’s 2031 first-round pick, missing an opportunity to secure another potential high-value draft asset. The best-case scenario for Dallas is that Davis and Irving lead them to a championship. Otherwise, this trade could go down as one of the worst in franchise history.

5. Will This Impact Future Free Agent Signings?

In the modern NBA, relationships and organizational reputation play a crucial role in attracting star players. Trading Doncic without any prior indications or trade demands could send a negative message to future free agents.

Kevin Durant addressed the nature of the NBA’s transactional business after the trade, highlighting the double standard between teams and players when it comes to loyalty. Many players will take note of how Dallas handled Doncic and may be hesitant to join an organization that traded away a generational talent so abruptly.

Final Thoughts

The Luka Doncic trade will be remembered for decades, regardless of how it plays out for the Mavericks. While Dallas still has talent on the roster, the move significantly alters their championship trajectory. The franchise is now under immense pressure to win in the short term, as any failure could lead to years of mediocrity.

With Kyrie Irving’s uncertain future, a depleted draft arsenal, and an unpredictable free-agent market, the Mavericks face one of the most pivotal moments in their history. Only time will tell whether this gamble pays off—or if it becomes a cautionary tale of poor asset management in the NBA.