PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 25: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to fans during the final moments of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 128-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers may not have been their only option. According to recent reports, the team also inquired about potential deals with the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves before ultimately agreeing to a package from Los Angeles that included Anthony Davis and Max Christie.
Mavericks’ Attempts to Move Doncic
Despite reaching the NBA Finals last season, Mavericks executives Nico Harrison and Patrick Dumont reportedly believed they couldn’t win with Doncic as their primary star, leading them to explore trade options. Initially, it was assumed that the Lakers were the only team they engaged with, but NBA writer Gery Woelfel has revealed that Dallas also reached out to Milwaukee and Minnesota.
According to Woelfel, the Mavericks inquired about acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks and Anthony Edwards from the Timberwolves.
Why the Bucks and Timberwolves Didn’t Bite
Dallas was particularly interested in Antetokounmpo, who has a strong relationship with Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and assistant Sean Sweeney. However, Milwaukee quickly shut down any talks of moving their two-time MVP, even though his long-term future with the franchise remains uncertain.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, would have likely needed to include Anthony Edwards in any deal. While Edwards is a rising star at just 23 years old, his postseason experience is still developing. Dallas, fresh off eliminating Minnesota in last season’s Western Conference Finals, may have felt that Edwards wasn’t quite at Doncic’s level or even Kyrie Irving in high-pressure situations.
Did the Mavericks Make the Right Choice?
Had the Mavericks been able to land Antetokounmpo, it could have been a much better long-term move than acquiring Anthony Davis, given Davis’ injury history. Meanwhile, Edwards would have been an intriguing young star to build around, though his postseason track record remains unproven.
In the end, Dallas opted for a blockbuster deal with the Lakers, but the revelations about their discussions with the Bucks and Timberwolves suggest they were open to multiple paths before committing to the trade.
