The Dallas Mavericks should not trade up for Luka Doncic

The rumors of the Dallas Mavericks setting their sights on Luka Doncic have been around for a few weeks at the very least but now seem to be confirmed by the ever trustworthy, Adrian Wojnarowski, of ESPN. What do the Mavs need to do to get the young, European star?

If there is any area of sporting world that has gotten rid of the gray area, it is the lead-up to the NBA Draft. When it comes to your feelings on the top prospects, you can either love them or hate them. The players should probably get a little more credit than they do in some cases and maybe a little more tough love in others, but the truth is, it happens to just about everyone.

Including Luka Doncic.

Luka was one of the favorites to go near the top of this year’s NBA Draft and all of a sudden, there are plenty of people out there who believe he could drop out of the top 4. That seems a bit crazy to me, but I guess anything could happen.

With that in mind, the reports that the Mavs are targeting Luka in the draft and are willing to make a move up is a unique one. Luka doesn’t exactly “fit” with Dallas the way the team is set up right now, but his basketball skill would be incredibly desirable. What kind of move would the Dallas Mavericks have to make to acquire Luka?

I think that the best move to get Luka is for the Mavs is to stay put. I know there are plenty of Luka lovers out there that are upset about that but the truth is, the fit with Doncic and Dennis is going to be interesting. I don’t think that should prevent the team from making the pick if the opportunity arises, but I do not think it is time to sell the farm for the guy.

I have been of the mindset that Luka Doncic is the best player in the draft for sometime. I think Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III are great players, but as far as people who can take over a game, I think Luka has to be at the top of the list. If Doncic is there at the 5th pick, the Mavs will be at the podium before the Grizzlies are even done announcing their selection.

But the dangers of moving pieces around for a guy that could be there at 5 is something I don’t think the Mavs need to be involved in. The risk of losing out on Luka Doncic is there and it would be a disappointment for most of us, but the presence of Mohamed Bamba, Marvin Bagley III, and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the draft should make people feel a little bit better about the pick.

I am of the mindset that you can’t give up a real piece (Harrison Barnes, 2019 1st round pick, etc.) just to move up one or two spots in the draft. This class is good but I do not believe the talent level is where it has been in other drafts we could’ve moved up in. It is time for Dallas to stick with their pick and make the best selection available.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: Josh Howard, the last All-Star

No matter what happens, the Mavs need to weigh their options and make sure they are not giving up too much for a player they view highly. There is just too much disparity in the history of the draft and that won’t change this year.