The Luka Doncic Lakers trade has completely turned the league on its head. Many are wondering why a Luka trade happened at all. Others are shocked by the fact that the Mavericks didn’t seem to shop for better trade packages. Regardless of the reasons for making the Anthony Davis trade, the Mavericks likely could have gotten much more in return for Doncic. We are going to take a look at a few of the other potential trade packages that the Mavericks could have gotten in a trade for Donci.
Better Packages The Mavericks Could Have Gotten In A Luka Trade
The Luka Doncic Lakers Trade Makes no Sense
It doesn’t make sense. Why would the Mavericks trade the guy who single-handedly led them to an NBA Finals at the age of 25? Regardless of the reason why, the Mavericks decided to send their star out in a trade returning Davis.
The package of Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick seems like pennies for Doncic. Sure Davis is a star, but his injury history and age make the Mavericks worse off for the future. Who else could they have received for Doncic?
The Franchise Superstar Packages
It is impossible to know exactly who might have pursued Doncic if the league had known he was on the trading block. It is safe to say however that all but five or so players would likely have been available.
The Mavericks probably could have secured a younger franchise cornerstone to build around instead of Davis. De’Aaron Fox is certainly available. The Kings would have been happy to send him over with draft compensation.
What about Devin Booker? Kevin Durant? Jaylen Brown? Donovan Mitchell? It is hard to imagine that any of their teams wouldn’t have been happy to part with their stars in a Doncic trade. The Mavericks possibly could have made even someone as untouchable as Stephen Curry available by calling Golden State. Additionally, the Warriors (and these other teams) probably would have attached more picks than the Lakers did.
The Picks Packages
If the Mavericks were more interested in building towards the future than the present, multiple teams may have mortgaged their entire future for Doncic. The Spurs for one have tons of draft assets over the next five seasons. They would probably be happy to trade them all for Doncic. A package surrounding around Jalen Williams and a slew of picks from the Thunder’s treasure chest would have given the Mavericks a solid young star and draft capital.
Who knows what other pick packages the Mavericks could have received? The Rockets have multiple enticing young players as well as draft capital to send. The Nets would have probably given away every player and pick they could just to get their hands on a star like Doncic.
All of the other options that could have been available are what make this Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers even more incomprehensible. There has to be more happening behind the scenes for the Mavericks to have decided on this trade package.
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