Trading up for Luka Doncic leads Dallas Mavericks top moves since 2010

The Dallas Mavericks traded up to draft Luka Doncic in 2018. That was one of three top moves made by the Mavs since 2010 according to ESPN.

The Dallas Mavericks have experienced a lot since 2010. They won an NBA championship in 2011. The Mavs decided to tear down their roster after that. Dirk Nowitzki still led them to the playoffs four more times. The legend is now retired. The Mavericks have ushered in a new era with Luka Doncic leading the way.

The NBA has seen a lot of changes since 2010 too. LeBron James has played for three teams. The Warriors dynasty reigned over the league. Kevin Durant is on his third team. Now, the season is suspended and could be the first-ever to end without crowning a champion. Change may be the only constant in the NBA.

ESPN decided to rank the 74 biggest transactions since LeBron joined the Miami Heat in 2010. Fans can read the full article here. (subscription required)

The Dallas Mavericks were featured three times on the list. Let us take a look at where they shook out.

Mavs trade for Chandler

Dallas’ first move on the list was the Mavericks acquiring Tyson Chandler in 2010 from the Charlotte Bobcats. Fans do not need me to tell them what happened next. Chandler was the anchor of the Mavs championship defense before being traded to New York in Dec. 2011.

It ranked 36th on ESPN’s list. I’d argue it could have been higher. The Mavericks do not win the title without Chandler. He only stayed one season which is likely why it fell here.

KP comes to Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks in Jan. 2019. The deal gave the Mavs two star talents to build around. It quickly signaled the end of their rebuild too. The Mavericks also brought over Tim Hardaway Jr. in the trade.

ESPN had it 30th. In time, this one could shoot up the list. The more Dallas wins the higher it will climb.

Trading for Luka

Topping the Mavericks list was rightfully the trade up in the 2018 draft to acquire Luka Doncic. The Hawks selected Trae Young and Cam Reddish with two picks they received from Dallas. The Mavs won the trade, though. Doncic is a superstar at 21 years old. He has the Maverick back in the playoffs and himself in the MVP race.

Doncic coming to Dallas ranked seventh by ESPN. It has the potential to reach the top, though. All he has to do is keep leading them to victories, especially in the playoffs. The sky is the limit for Luka.

The Dallas Mavericks have a few more transactions coming. They hope to join the ranks of title contenders. Do not count out Luka and the Mavs. They are building something special.