• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025

Mavs Make Luka Doncic The Lone Star in Dallas

  • Luka Doncic is the only star remaining after the Mavericks traded Kristaps Porzingis.
  • They’ve given Doncic the keys to the franchise since signing him to a five-year, $207 million contract.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

Back when the Mavericks traded for Kristaps Porzingis in 2019, owner Mark Cuban said the goal was to keep him paired with Luka Doncic “for the next 20 years.”

Three years later, that partnership is officially over. Dallas moved Porzingis and his remaining three years and $101.6 million to Washington for underperforming guard Spencer Dinwiddie — a peculiar move for a 5-seed with a top-five defense. 

With Doncic playing like a superstar — he dropped a career-high 51 points on Thursday — it’s difficult to tell whether the Mavericks want to win now or build for the future

  • Since returning from an ankle injury on Jan. 2, Doncic is averaging 28 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.8 rebounds, and the Mavericks are 15-5.
  • The injury-riddled Porzingis is still a threat when he’s on the floor (19.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG).   
  • The Mavs extended Dorian Finney-Smith (10.1 PPG) to a four-year, $55.5 million contract, leaving Jalen Brunson as this summer’s only remaining free agent.

This trade was likely subject to Doncic’s approval — a consistent theme since the team hand-delivered him a five-year, $207 million contract in his native Slovenia this last summer.

Luka’s impact on the team’s decisions dates back to this past summer, when Jason Kidd became head coach and former Nike executive Nico Harrison became GM — Doncic has a deal with the Swoosh. 

No matter who’s calling the shots, it’s unclear why the Mavericks seem to favor a supporting cast over a star partner for Doncic — especially if they want to compete in the West.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) and Dallas Mavericks forward Markieff Morris (88) and guard Quentin Grimes (5) chase the loose ball during the second half at the American Airlines Center.

Investor Says He Sold Stake in Warriors Because Competition Is Coming for..

Chamath Palihapitiya owned 10% of the Warriors from 2010 to 2022.

Lakers’ Luka Trade Shakes NBA, While Mavericks Face Fallout

One of the NBA’s most popular teams gets a major boost.
Doncic and Davis

Mavs, Lakers Swap Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis in League-Shaking Deal

Other picks and players are on the move in the seismic deal.

Featured Today

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
January 28, 2025

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.

Lurie Not Interested in Celtics; Considering Eagles Stadium Options

The Eagles owner has been reported as a potential Celtics bidder.
Presented by ISOS CAPITAL

Caitlin Clark’s Rise Drawing Stars to Fever, Creating Title Contender

DeWanna Bonner is a two-time WNBA champion.
Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; The New Orleans Saints logo on the field before their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome.
February 3, 2025

Internal Emails Find Saints Heavily Involved in New Orleans Church Abuse Scandal

Saints communications staff helped the church with public relations efforts.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 2, 2025

Kings Sending De’Aaron Fox to Spurs in 3-Team Deal for Zach LaVine

De’Aaron Fox will join Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.
February 1, 2025

Nashville, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia Submit WNBA Expansion Bids

Tennessee’s team would be named after legendary basketball coach Pat Summit.
January 30, 2025

Utah Hockey Club Puts Name Choice in Fans’ Hands After Yeti Fiasco

Keeping the existing name, the Mammoth, and Wasatch are the remaining options.
Jan 27, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) reacts during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
January 28, 2025

NBA Trade Deadline Heats Up: Kings Open Trade Talks for De’Aaron Fox

Sacramento fired head coach Mike Brown last month.