How can Dallas Mavericks avoid Kevin Durant situation with Luka Doncic?

Dallas Mavericks can avoid the Kevin Durant situation by prioritizing culture over talent

The Mavs shook things up when longtime general manager Donnie Nelson and head coach Rick Carlisle departed the organization in 2021 after more than three decades of combined service. Dallas hired Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd, and the duo immediately began establishing a culture of chemistry and accountability.

The Nets were building something prior to Kevin Durant’s arrival. They had just made the playoffs with D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, and Jarrett Allen forming a strong young core that was growing together. In came Durant, Kyrie, and DeAndre Jordan, and things quickly changed.

Yes, Brooklyn added more talent, but at the expense of their culture. It took the Nets from a fringe playoff team to a title contender on paper, but in reality, the Mavericks made it further last season than the Durant Nets have ever gone. Chemistry matters and Dallas won last season by prioritizing it. Brooklyn has not had that in the KD era.

The Dallas Mavericks want to add a second star to pair with Luka Doncic to become serious title contenders, but they must be careful. Having another superstar sounds fantastic on paper, but without the chemistry and culture remaining in place, things can go off the rails quickly.