Dwyane Wade believes the Dallas Mavericks’ championship hopes are over following their midseason blockbuster trade. Speaking on Time Out with Dwyane Wade, the Hall of Famer expressed doubt about Dallas’ future, citing injuries and poor results.
“The Dallas Mavericks are in trouble,” Wade said, via ClutchPoints. “I think I’ve seen 15 bodies go down. This window is now, that window is [closed].”
Dallas made headlines on February 2 by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that brought Anthony Davis to the Mavericks. The move, which also involved the Utah Jazz, marked the first time two reigning All-NBA players were exchanged midseason.
Since the trade, the Mavericks have fallen from playoff contention. They now sit 11th in the Western Conference with a 34-37 record, struggling to keep pace in the race for a Play-In Tournament spot.
Adding to their woes, Davis played just one game for Dallas before suffering an adductor injury, which has kept him sidelined. Kyrie Irving also went down with an ACL tear, leaving the Mavericks without their two biggest stars.
Meanwhile, Doncic has thrived in Los Angeles, averaging 26.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. The Lakers have surged to fourth in the West at 43-27, further intensifying criticism of Dallas’ decision to trade their franchise cornerstone.
With Davis sidelined and the Mavericks struggling, Wade’s comments reflect the growing sentiment that Dallas may have made a costly mistake.
With nine games left in the regular season, the Mavericks face an uphill battle to salvage their year. If they miss the playoffs, questions surrounding their decision to move Doncic will only grow louder.
