NBA writer believes Luka Doncic could reunite with Dallas in the future

The Dallas Mavericks and general manager Nico Harrison stunned the NBA last season when they dealt Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package featuring Anthony Davis.

Many expected Doncic to remain a Maverick for life, following in the footsteps of his mentor Dirk Nowitzki. However, Harrison cited concerns over his conditioning and lack of defensive effort as reasons behind the move. Now, Doncic will aim to contend for a title with the Lakers.

Still, Lorenzo Almanza of The Smoking Cuban believes Doncic could eventually return to Dallas, with Damian Lillard’s recent return to the Portland Trail Blazers as a precedent. 

“It’s clear there was some anger with the team and the direction they took,” Almanza wrote. “However, it’s possible a reunion might not be out of the picture. Just look at Damian Lillard. He recently made a splash in the NBA, returning to his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers, after being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023.” 

MORE: Former Bucks star Damian Lillard signs $42 million deal to return to Portland

Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million deal to return to Portland after requesting a trade just two years prior. However, there’s a key difference between the two scenarios. Lillard sought to leave Portland in search of a title, but he was ultimately driven back after sustaining a torn Achilles and being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Doncic’s situation is quite different. He was traded unexpectedly, despite leading the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals and forming a promising partnership with Kyrie Irving. At the time of the trade, the Mavericks were still viewed as a legitimate contender for another deep playoff run with Doncic. 

While a return to Dallas isn’t out of the question for the five-time All-Star, it appears unlikely given the circumstances of his surprising departure. 

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