Luka Doncic 2nd in HoopsHype trade value rankings: Should he be number 1?

The Dallas Mavericks made the Western Conference Finals as Luka Doncic flexed his muscles. The 23-year-old finished fifth in MVP voting this year, but Doncic was the last player left in the postseason. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets were knocked out in the opening round. Joel Embidd, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Devin Booker were all eliminated in the second round. Luka’s run without another All-Star on the roster made his case for the best player in the league.

HoopsHype produced trade value rankings heading into the offseason. It was an attempt to gauge who has the most value around the league. Doncic was one of three Mavericks in the top 100 with Jalen Brunson ranking 88th and Dorian Finney-Smith sitting 89th.

Luka ranked second behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. It is always difficult to argue among the top players in the league in terms of trade value, but should the Mavericks superstar lead this list?

Luka Doncic 2nd in HoopsHype trade value rankings: Should he be number 1?

Giannis is a two-time MVP and the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year. The Bucks won the championship in 2021 with Antetokounmpo taking home Finals MVP. He is out front in the best player in the league conversation right now.

If the Bucks called Dallas and asked to trade Giannis for Luka straight up, would the Mavericks do it? Doncic is four years younger and on pace to be an inner-circle Hall of Famer. There is no player in the league right now Dallas would swap their 23-year-old superstar for. Yes, Giannis climbed the mountain already, but Luka has four years to add to his mantle to reach 27 years old. Doncic is likely to win an MVP, and he will have the Mavericks in contention every season.

Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both fantastic. The Bucks and Mavericks are not trading their superstar, but Luka deserves to lead the trade value rankings. He is unquestionably the best young superstar in the league, and Doncic will be one of the five best players in the league for the next decade-plus. Will Giannis be at the top at age 37? That long-term view is enough to push Doncic ahead of the Greek Freak in terms of trade value.

Antetokounmpo is in his prime and relatively at his peak, but Luka is not. The 23-year-old is going to keep improving his game. His defense and conditioning will get better, and Doncic will add plenty of tricks into his bag too. Prime Luka is a scary thought for the other 29 teams in the NBA.

This is just the beginning for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, so buckle up because things are only getting better from here.