The Dallas Mavericks had an opportunity to create something special, maybe even legendary, but their recent history tells a story of missed chances. Letting Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson leave—players who could have led the team to a championship—has left fans and analysts wondering if the team let a potential dynasty slip through their fingers. Here’s a look at the moves that forever changed the franchise’s direction, from bold choices to costly errors.
Luka Doncic: The Spark That Lit Dallas
Dallas got really excited when Luka Doncic joined the team in a trade on draft night in 2018. At just 19 years old, he showed great poise in his second year, averaging 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. He was a one-man highlight reel, making every game a must-watch. Playoffs in 2020 and 2021 against the Clippers showed his clutch gene, causing other teams to fold under pressure. Doncic was a safe wager for sports bettors in Texas, often carrying the Mavericks to upset wins with his unreal talent. Luckily, many of the best sports wagering sites offer live betting, meaning you can alter your bets while the game is in play.
Jalen Brunson: The Perfect Sidekick Who Got Away
Jalen Brunson did not have the expected path to stardom. The 2018 second-round draft pick began his career as a backup player while he worked to earn playing time. During the 2021-22 season, he emerged as a breakthrough player who scored 16.3 points while providing 4.8 assists per game. During the 2022 playoffs, Brunson impressed fans by scoring 21.6 points while providing crucial support to Doncic in his most critical moments.
Brunson brought three essential skills to the court by scoring, creating scoring opportunities, and relieving Luka of defensive responsibilities, which made them an unstoppable pair. The chemistry between these players provided Dallas with a legitimate chance to become a contender.
The organization received a devastating blow when Brunson left in 2022 to sign a four-year, $104 million contract with the Knicks. According to reports, the Mavericks failed to provide Brunson with a suitable contract extension because they believed they could offer him a lower deal. That miscalculation stung, and the Mavericks faced a crisis after Brunson departed.
Luka’s Exit: When Hope Faded
Doncic continued to excel by consistently achieving 30-point triple-doubles, yet the team displayed an unsteady structure. The 2023 trade of Kyrie Irving to Dallas presented a risk to improve offense, but his playing style conflicted with Luka Doncic’s ball-dominant approach to create competition for scoring opportunities. The 2024 Finals appearance failed to hide the team’s issues. Media reports emerged about Luka’s discontent because he believed the Mavericks should have pursued a championship more aggressively. The rumors turned into fact in 2025 when Doncic requested a trade from Dallas, and the team ended up losing their potential franchise-defining player.
The move stunned the NBA. Trading a generational talent like Doncic felt like giving up, a clear sign that the Mavericks couldn’t figure things out. Fans who had hoped for championships in Dallas were left stunned, wondering how everything went wrong so quickly.
Front Office Fumbles: A String of Bad Calls
The Dallas front office, led by Nico Harrison, has faced criticism for some questionable decisions. Letting Brunson go was the biggest mistake, but it wasn’t the only one. Trades for players who didn’t fit Luka’s style, letting reliable role players leave, and the 2021 departure of executive Donnie Nelson all contributed. Nelson had a talent for finding players like Brunson, and when he left, things started to fall apart. The Mavericks kept looking for quick fixes instead of building a strong team around Doncic, and that cost them.
Brunson’s departure hurts the most because it could have been avoided. Dallas had chances to sign him before free agency but hesitated, thinking his price was too high. Now, he’s shining in New York, scoring 25 points a game, while the Mavericks struggle to find answers. It’s a mistake that could affect the franchise for years.
The Fallout: A Team in Limbo
Without Doncic and Brunson, the Mavericks are basically starting from scratch. The trade involving Luka probably brought in some assets, but finding a player who can fill his shoes is almost impossible. Brunson’s success with another team only makes things harder to swallow. Dallas has a tough road ahead in a competitive Western Conference, relying mostly on young talent and draft picks for hope. Fans who once celebrated Luka’s brilliance are now left wondering if the team’s best days are behind them.
Where Do the Mavericks Go From Here?
The future in Dallas is uncertain. The front office must make smart draft picks and develop players quickly, but that’s not easy. Every decision will be compared to past mistakes, like letting Brunson go and not building a strong team around Doncic. The Mavericks once had a chance to do something historic, but poor planning and missed opportunities ruined it. Right now, they serve as a reminder of how fragile a team’s hopes can be.
