.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The Dallas Mavericks had their moments this season, but overall, their 2025-26 campaign was a colossal disappointment.
Dallas finished with a less-than-stellar 26-56 record, losing 11 of its last 14 games. With Cooper Flagg expected to make a significant leap in Year 2, and the Mavericks potentially completing a roster-elevating trade this summer, it’s reasonable to assume the franchise will be much improved in 2026-27.
That said, what does Dallas’ long-term future look like? Well, in a former Mavericks star’s opinion, the franchise could reunite with a Los Angeles Lakers superstar and right their wrongs.
"I love Nico (Harrison), Nico is my buddy, but I would not want my name on that trade if I ever had anything to do with the NBA," Derek Harper said on FanDuel TV's ‘Run It Back’ last Saturday.
"You look back, you gave away what, 30 points, eight and nine (rebounds and assists), you gave it to somebody else for a guy that is no longer on your roster.)”
“That one is hard to get around. It is just something at the time I think they thought about doing, and they were quick to react, and it just did not work out, especially here in Dallas. People love Luka here. I think he will eventually retire a Maverick."
It’s nearly impossible to be confused about the situation Harper is referring to. Doncic’s mind-blowing trade to the Lakers last February was the main topic of discussion at the time and is still a popular talking point 16 months later.
Why trade Doncic, a young standout point guard in his prime, for an aging, injury-prone big man in Anthony Davis? To this day, it still doesn’t make sense, even more so after the Mavericks moved on from Davis before this season’s Feb. 5 trade deadline via a deal to the Washington Wizards.
If Luka Doncic’s 33.5-point, 8.3-assist, and 7.7-rebound campaign with the Lakers this year (while leading the franchise to the postseason) doesn’t prove Los Angeles won the biggest trade of the 2024-25 season, what else will?
The Mavericks clearly didn’t do right by the player who guided them to the NBA Finals two seasons ago. However, reuniting with Doncic later on could help Dallas rekindle its relationship with the six-time All-Star before he retires from the big leagues.
More NBA news:
English (US)