Mavericks Are Destroying the Only True Silver Lining From the Luka Dončić Trade
When the Dallas Mavericks traded away their 2018 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for the rights to Luka Dončić, the franchise was taking a risk that could either elevate them to new heights or leave them with a major regret. Fast forward to today, and Luka is undoubtedly one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, a generational talent capable of single-handedly carrying a team to the playoffs. However, the trade that once seemed to signal the dawn of a new era for the Mavericks now casts a dark shadow over the franchise’s future, as the team is jeopardizing the only real silver lining from that trade.
The “silver lining” in question is not the trade itself — rather, it’s the 2019 draft pick that the Mavericks acquired in exchange for moving down two spots to allow Atlanta to select Trae Young. That pick, which became the 2021 fifth overall selection, has provided Dallas with the opportunity to build a promising foundation around Luka and create a true supporting cast to surround him. The player selected with that pick was none other than Jalen Green, an explosive shooting guard with the potential to evolve into an offensive juggernaut.
When Green was selected, the excitement was palpable. He had the raw tools to be a perfect complement to Luka, with his ability to score from anywhere on the floor, a quick first step, and a lethal three-point shot. His athleticism and scoring instincts immediately raised hopes that he could become a reliable second star alongside Luka, helping to alleviate the pressure on him and create more balanced offensive options for the Mavericks. In the early stages of his career, Green was a solid contributor and someone the Mavericks could build their future around.
Unfortunately, recent decisions made by the Mavericks’ front office have begun to threaten this promising future. The team, which has seen several ups and downs since acquiring Luka, appears to be mismanaging the development of Green in the pursuit of short-term success. Dallas’ lack of a clear vision for their supporting cast and inconsistent roster decisions have left Green in a state of limbo, not being utilized to his full potential and often losing his rhythm in the process.
The Mavericks have struggled with roster balance, often over-relying on Luka as the focal point of their offense while neglecting to surround him with the necessary pieces to make the team truly competitive. The recent acquisition of Kyrie Irving, while a move to add another star, has further complicated the situation. Instead of creating a sustainable two-way team, Dallas finds itself in a position where both Luka and Kyrie dominate the ball, limiting the impact of other players like Green. This has stunted Green’s development, as he is often relegated to a secondary role rather than being allowed to flourish as a primary scorer.
Furthermore, the Mavericks’ lack of stability in their roster construction has led to a lack of continuity, which is crucial for young players like Green. When Green was drafted, there was hope that the Mavs would build a clear plan to develop him alongside Luka, but instead, the organization has been caught in a cycle of win-now moves that have disrupted the team’s overall direction. Green, once thought to be the second star to complement Luka, now faces an uncertain future with the Mavericks, as the team’s priorities seem to be focused elsewhere.
The Mavericks risk squandering a golden opportunity if they continue to undermine Green’s development and fail to create a system where both he and Luka can thrive. What could have been the foundation of a long-term dynasty is quickly turning into a missed opportunity, and the Mavericks’ front office must reassess their strategy. To truly maximize the value of the Luka Doncic trade, Dallas needs to focus on creating a cohesive team, with Green at the center of that vision, rather than continuing to chase fleeting short-term success that undermines their future. If they don’t, they may look back one day with regret, realizing they destroyed the very thing that could have allowed them to build something special around Luka.
