Did The Mavericks Make A Bigger Mistake: Trading Luka Dončić Or Letting Jalen Brunson Walk?

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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The Luka Dončić Trade Rumors: A Near Disaster Averted?

The 2019-2020 season saw the Mavericks struggle, fueling speculation about a potential Luka Dončić trade. This was a terrifying prospect for Dallas fans.

Context of the Trade Rumors:

The Mavericks' disappointing season, coupled with Dončić's early-career struggles to mesh perfectly with the team's supporting cast, created an environment ripe for trade rumors. The team's overall performance fell short of expectations, prompting questions about the franchise's direction and the feasibility of building a contender around Dončić.

• Rumors involved: Teams like the Knicks and Celtics were frequently mentioned as potential suitors, with various player packages proposed.
• League sentiment: While a Dončić trade was seen as highly unlikely given his immense talent and potential, it undeniably cast a shadow over the franchise and raised concerns among fans.

The Mavericks' Response and Retention Strategy:

Faced with the prospect of losing their franchise player, the Mavericks acted decisively. They focused on building a better supporting cast around Dončić, prioritizing players who complemented his skillset and provided additional scoring threats.

• Contract negotiations: The Mavericks secured Dončić to a long-term, lucrative contract, demonstrating their commitment to building the team around him. This signaled their long-term commitment to their superstar.
• Roster changes: The team made strategic moves to add players like Kristaps Porziņģis (before his trade), and later, players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith, aiming to improve team chemistry and overall competitiveness.
• Coaching adjustments: Coaching strategies were adapted to better utilize Dončić's unique talents and play style, creating a more cohesive offensive system.

Long-Term Implications of Keeping Dončić:

Keeping Luka Dončić proved to be an essential decision. His presence guarantees long-term relevance and success for the Mavericks.

• Future MVP potential: Dončić remains a perennial MVP candidate, his all-around talent unmatched by many players in the league.
• All-Star appearances: His continued selection as an All-Star further validates his status as one of the league's elite players.
• Free agent attraction: A superstar like Dončić makes the Mavericks a far more attractive destination for free agents, boosting the team's ability to build a competitive roster.

Letting Jalen Brunson Walk: A Costly Free Agency Decision?

While retaining Luka Dončić was a monumental success, letting Jalen Brunson leave in free agency remains a point of contention.

Brunson's Rise and Importance to the Mavericks:

Brunson's growth in Dallas was remarkable. He transformed from a promising young player into a key contributor and playoff performer.

• Key statistics: His scoring and playmaking abilities significantly enhanced the Mavericks' offense, particularly in the playoffs. He consistently delivered clutch performances.
• Playoff performances: Brunson's contributions in the 2022 playoffs, including his strong performances against the top-seeded Phoenix Suns, solidified his importance to the team.
• Second-in-command: He acted as a reliable secondary ball-handler and scorer, lessening the offensive burden on Dončić.

The Mavericks' Failure to Re-sign Brunson:

The Mavericks' inability to retain Brunson stemmed from a combination of factors, making the decision a complex one to analyze.

• Salary cap constraints: The Mavericks faced significant salary cap limitations, hindering their ability to offer a competitive contract.
• Knicks' counter-offer: The New York Knicks offered Brunson a lucrative deal that the Mavericks couldn't match.
• Roster priorities: The Mavericks may have prioritized other free agents or focused on retaining other players, ultimately resulting in Brunson’s departure.

The Impact of Brunson's Departure on the Mavericks:

Brunson's departure created a significant hole in the Mavericks' lineup, impacting their performance and overall success.

• Replacement struggles: Finding a suitable replacement for Brunson proved challenging, exposing the team's weaknesses in the backcourt.
• Offensive efficiency: The team struggled to replicate Brunson's offensive contributions, impacting their overall scoring and efficiency.
• Weakening of the team: His absence undeniably impacted the team's overall competitiveness and playoff potential.

Comparing the Two Decisions: Which Was the Bigger Mistake?

The long-term ramifications are clear: nearly trading Dončić would have been a catastrophic mistake of epic proportions. Losing Brunson, while painful, doesn't compare to that hypothetical disaster. The Mavericks could have potentially contended for a championship with Brunson alongside Dončić, presenting a significant opportunity cost. The loss of Brunson also impacted team chemistry and morale, creating a void in leadership and experience.

While keeping Luka Dončić was crucial, the Mavericks' inability to retain Jalen Brunson significantly weakened their roster and hampered their championship aspirations. The opportunity cost of letting Brunson walk is far greater than the hypothetical repercussions of trading Dončić—a move that is almost unthinkable given his level of talent.

Conclusion:

Keeping Luka Dončić was an absolutely essential decision for the Dallas Mavericks' future. The team's failure to re-sign Jalen Brunson, while disappointing, pales in comparison to the near-catastrophic possibility of trading their franchise cornerstone. While both decisions had significant consequences, letting Jalen Brunson walk was arguably the bigger mistake, impacting the team’s competitiveness and playoff chances.

What do you think? Was trading Luka Dončić (or letting Jalen Brunson walk) the bigger mistake for the Mavericks? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #NBADiscussion #Mavs #LukaDoncic #JalenBrunson #NBAFreeAgency #NBATradeRumors