Who are the next superstars that request a trade? Can Dallas Mavericks capitalize?

Should the Dallas Mavericks be worried about Luka Doncic requesting a trade?

There is no immediate threat, but the Mavs front office has plenty of work to do. Doncic just started a five-year extension worth $215.1 million. He has a player option in the final year, so the 23-year-old can become a free agent in 2026.

The Mavericks just reached the conference finals and had the second-best record in the NBA during the second half of last season. Losing Jalen Brunson hurt, but the vibes in Dallas are positive. Doncic has a strong relationship with owner Mark Cuban, head coach Jason Kidd, and Mavs GOAT Dirk Nowitzki. All three will be key figures in keeping him in Dallas.

The Mavericks must keep pushing to improve their roster because they are not in a position to be an annual title contender. The Mavericks would love to add a second star, and they need ball-handling help.

Nico Harrison and the front office have two years to get it right. If the roster has not improved by the summer of 2024, Luka could start to grow impatient and request a trade. The Dallas Mavericks will have the opportunity to acquire a star player if they keep ahold of all their first-round picks through this season, but can they actually land one? Will that be enough to keep number 77 in a Mavericks uniform beyond his current contract?

Ultimately, the player has the power. All the Mavs can do is put the best possible team around him, and hope it is enough to keep him on their roster.