Is Luka Doncic to blame for why the Dallas Mavericks do not have a second star?

Price for Dallas Mavericks to acquire a star player to pair with Luka Doncic keeps rising

Landing a superstar player is the hardest part of the championship equation. 3-and-D wings can be had at every trade deadline for a first-round pick and role players are looking for the mid-level exception in free agency nearly every year. Superstars often choose their destinations, but the price to acquire them keeps rising.

Three first-round picks barely get a general manager a seat at the table in these recent deals. Tim Bontemps wrote a fantastic piece for ESPN about these superstar deals and how they impact Kevin Durant’s trade request. The Timberwolves paying four first-round picks plus the just drafted Walker Kessler has made it impossible for the Nets to deal KD. No team can top that package, despite Durant being arguably the best player in the world right now.

The Mavericks have been unable to acquire another star in part because it cost them two first-round picks to trade up to draft Luka Doncic, and Dallas used two more to acquire Kristaps Porzingis during Luka’s rookie season. Dallas is still waiting to recoup their draft capital, but next summer the team's cupboard will be fully stocked.

That will open the door for Dallas, but will they quickly land a second star?