Mavericks rumors: Western Conference foe eager to bid for Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks had a disastrous season that had everyone wondering what was next. Luka Doncic was second in the NBA in scoring and produced monster numbers, but his team won just 38 games and missed the playoff entirely just one year after reaching the conference finals. It was a roster-building nightmare with Jalen Brunson leaving in free agency and every move made after that not working. Even the desperation trade for Kyrie Irving has not paid off.

Now, Dallas faces a crucial offseason. They must improve their roster or the organization’s fears of Luka requesting a trade could reach a boiling point. No team wants to be known as the one that traded an all-time great, but the Mavs could be approaching that territory.

If Luka requests a trade, every team in the league will be bidding for the 24-year-old superstar, but The Athletic’s John Hollinger made it clear that the Utah Jazz are “keeping a very interested eye on Doncic’s situation” in a piece about the Brooklyn Nets offseason (subscription required). Get the latest here.

Mavericks rumors: Utah Jazz eager to bid for Luka Doncic if he requests trade

Hollinger notes that the Jazz and Thunder both have the assets to outbid a team like the Nets for the next star player that becomes available. Utah has nine incoming first-round draft picks plus all of their own selections except 2024, which is top ten protected. The Jazz could offer a staggering number of picks and swaps for Doncic if he becomes available.

The Mavericks are hoping to avoid that moment at all costs, but Utah appears to be in the lead if it comes. Jazz president Danny Ainge is never afraid to be aggressive and he earned the nickname “Trader Danny” because he loves to make deals. The Jazz desperately need a star to get back into contention, and the Mavs must improve their roster to keep Luka happy and in Dallas.

Expect more teams to be linked to Luka Doncic trades if the Dallas Mavericks do not improve next season. Kyrie Irving is one of seven Mavs free agents this summer. They must bring back the eight-time All-Star and find ways to improve the roster around their two stars. Defense, rebounding, and rim protection should be priorities. If the right upgrades are not made, number 77 could ask to be traded before the calendar flips to 2025.

Will the Mavericks trade Luka? Does the 24-year-old superstar force their hand before he reaches his prime? Those are storylines to watch, and fans should stay tuned for all the latest.