Luka Doncic hints at player Mavericks should've traded for before it was too late

The Dallas Mavericks did the unthinkable by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1, and even though Doncic is likely gone for good, there was one trade that the Mavs should've made while he was still in Dallas that would've made things much easier on him. Dallas should've traded for Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans, as Doncic recently made it clear that he doesn't like playing against him, likely because of his elite perimeter defense.

In a recent article by Jason Gay of the Wall Street Journal, Doncic revealed that Jones was one of the "biggest headaches" (subscription required) that he's ever had to play against, along with his new teammate Marcus Smart.

Jones has been one of the best defenders in the league for years, as he was in the top five for Defensive Player of the Year voting and was named to the All-Defensive First Team in the 2023-24 season, and bringing him to Dallas to play alongside Doncic would've given the Mavericks another piece to be a dominant force in the West with Doncic leading the way.

Mavericks should've traded for Herbert Jones to play with Luka Doncic

Doncic never had to play Jones in the NBA Playoffs in any of his four postseason appearances as a Maverick, but taking him away from one of the Mavs' division rivals and uniting him with Doncic would've been a great move for now and the future. Jones is under contract with the Pelicans until at least after the 2028-29 season, when he has a player option, and Dallas should've capitalized on teaming him up with Doncic while they had the chance.

Time and time again, Doncic has helped bring the best out of the 3-and-D wings around him, and it would've been the same case for Jones if he came to Dallas. Doncic created countless open looks from downtown for players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock, and the same would've continued if he played with Jones.

Jones shot a career-low 30.6 percent from three last season, a season that was ultimately derailed by injuries, and Doncic could've helped him get back on the right track next season if Dallas had kept him and traded for Jones. The Mavericks had real interest in trading for Jones before moving Doncic at the trade deadline last season, and this would've been a move that fans would've loved.

Mavericks fans love hard-nosed defenders who play their role, hustle, and bring tenacity, and Jones would've brought all of that and more. He would've become the best defender that Doncic has ever played with the second that he takes the floor for the Mavericks, and Dallas would've had one of the most unstoppable starting lineups in the NBA if they had made that move.

Heading into next season, the Mavs' starting lineup could've looked something like Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Jones, P.J. Washington, and Dereck Lively II, and Dallas would've had a great shot at bringing home their second title in franchise history (depending on who they hypothetically would've given up to acquire Jones).

Mavericks fans will always wonder what life would've been like if they had kept Doncic and continued to build around him, and him listing Jones as one of the "biggest headaches" he's ever had to play against shows that he likely would've loved to team up with him.