In a speculative analysis featured on ESPN.com (Insider link), Bobby Marks examines the potential offers from the other 28 NBA teams that could have been made to the Mavericks for Luka Doncic. This discussion arises following Doncic’s trade to the Lakers in February, an event that many believe ranks among the most stunning trades in NBA history.
Marks points out a couple of critical factors in his analysis. Firstly, the trade for Doncic may have fallen through if all teams had the opportunity to propose their own offers for the star guard, which is why Dallas worked diligently to keep its talks with Los Angeles confidential. Secondly, the theoretical proposals are evaluated based on each team’s financial situation as of February 1, the day before the trade took place.
Which franchises could have presented the most compelling combinations of immediate assets and future draft picks to the Mavericks? Marks contends that the Cavaliers—who could have offered Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick—and the Rockets—with a package including Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith, Reed Sheppard, plus unprotected first-round picks in 2025 and 2027 via Phoenix—may have crafted the most enticing deals for Doncic. Marks also notes that Cleveland would have needed to include Maxi Kleber to match salaries.
Here are some additional highlights from the basketball world:
- Before the Nuggets decided to part ways with Michael Malone, Zach Harper of The Athletic identified four other head coaches who might be at risk, with Mike Budenholzer of the Suns considered the most likely to face dismissal.
- According to a report from BasketNews.com, Linas Kleiza stated on his podcast (YouTube link) that Domantas Sabonis is expected to miss this summer’s EuroBasket due to personal reasons (credit to EuroHoops.net). Kleiza, a former NBA player who currently is the general manager of the Lithuanian national team, also mentioned that Jonas Valanciunas and Matas Buzelis are anticipated to participate in this year’s tournament.
- Calvin Darden Jr., a businessman from Georgia, has been sentenced to over 12 years in prison for swindling former NBA star Dwight Howard out of $7 million through a fraudulent scheme aimed at acquiring the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, as reported by Philip Marcelo of The Associated Press. Darden was additionally convicted of stealing $1 million from former NBA forward Chandler Parsons in a separate scheme. He was found guilty in October on charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering.
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