Luka Doncic and Trae Young forever linked: Timeline of their paths crossing

Luka Doncic and Mavericks reach conference finals as Trae Young and Hawks face turmoil

Doncic missed the first three games of the Mavs' first-round series against the Utah Jazz with a calf injury before coming back in Game 4 with a 30-point double-double. Number 77 never missed a beat as Dallas knocked out Utah in six games before taking out the top-seeded Suns. Luka had two unbelievable performances in Game 6 and 7 to lift the Mavericks to a massive upset and put them in the conference finals for just the fifth time in franchise history.

Young’s team won just one game in the 2022 playoffs as they were taken out by the top-seeded Miami Heat in five games. The 24-year-old point guard struggled to hit shots as his numbers dipped significantly in that series. Atlanta failed to live up to their expectations after their conference finals run, and it has led to plenty of turmoil (subscription required) since, including front office turnover.

Could Trae Young be the next superstar to ask out of their current situation? Atlanta is back in the play-in mix and struggling to find their footing. Changes are coming, but the team has zero interest in trading Young. Could the young superstar force their hands? It is something to watch moving forward.

Luka Doncic and Trae Young will forever be linked and compared. Blockbuster draft night trades do that to young talented players. This one worked out for both sides as each team got a superstar. Luka has the edge so far, but which one has the better career? Stay tuned to find out.