Luka Doncic feels like the Mavericks are missing something — specifically someone.
The Dallas star, in the midst of his team’s playoff chances dwindling, admitted to feeling Jalen Brunson’s absence as the guard continues to rise with the Knicks.
“A lot,” he said of how much he misses his ex-teammate. “I mean amazing guy, amazing player, for sure.”
The Mavericks had the opportunity to extend Brunson with a four-year, $55.5 million deal before the 2021-2022 season but never made an offer in case they wanted to shop him at the trade deadline.
It came back to bite them as Brunson signed with the Knicks on a four-year, $104 million contract last summer and is averaging a career high 24.0 points per game — a massive step-up from his 16.3 output during his final season in Dallas.
When Kyrie Irving came to town during a wild 2023 trade deadline, it seemed as if the Mavs had gotten their Brunson replacement.
They traded two key role players in Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith to the Nets to acquire Irving, causing their defense to become significantly worse.
Read Related Also: How taking a $200 23andMe test was the best thing I've ever done
Before the trade, the Mavericks were hovering just above the play-in tournament.
They are 8-15 since then, dropping to 11th place with three games left on their schedule.
Even if they miraculously sneak their way into the playoffs, the Mavs chances of having a deep run are slim.
Instead, they are seriously considering shutting down their two All-Stars in hopes of setting up a big 2023 free agency according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
“I’m told that the organization is seriously considering the possibility of shutting down those guys,” Charania reported. “They have a top 10 protected pick, so being out of the play-in race, it behooves them to try to keep their pick … you have three first-round picks that you can trade this offseason to go get a star and potentially more players in the marketplace. They’re going to be one of the more active teams.”
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban’s first step will be trying to re-sign Irving first and foremost.
His next step will be finding players who can play solid defense as that has been a glaring weakness for the team … even before the trade.
