The Dallas Mavericks face tough questions after two franchise-altering moves that could define their era for all the wrong reasons. Two years after failing to resign Jlaen Brunson in free agency, they followed it up with a blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers at this year’s trade deadline.
By making those moves, Dallas let go of two of the top performers in recent memory. Since 2020, no backcourt duo has scored more postseason points than Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson. They were young, explosive, and had the makings of a long-term core. Now, both are thriving elsewhere.
Dallas Mavericks’ Missed Opportunities Costs Huge
Letting Brunson leave for nothing in 2022 was the first significant setback. Dallas could have kept him just for $55 million but disagreed. He signed with the New York Knicks for $106 million and immediately became a star. He averaged 28.7 points last season, finished fifth in MVP voting, and led the Knicks to a 40-20 record this year. His rise proved significant as one of the most impressive in recent league history.
Then came the shockwave to Luka Doncic. Despite taking the Mavericks to the NBA finals just a season ago, the 25-year-old got traded away to the Lakers. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the recent playoff run. In return, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, who has just played one game since the trade due to injury.
Now, Brunson is lighting up Madison Square Garden, and Doncic is putting on a show for the Los Angeles Lakers. While the Mavericks are left to reflect on how quickly a potential dynasty slipped through their roster. Two elite playoff performers, both drafted by Dallas, are now gone, leaving behind one of the franchise’s most significant “what ifs”.
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off the rare feat of drafting two superstar guards in the same year, Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson. 🤯
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 31, 2025
Since 2020, no guards have scored more playoff points than these two.
They were electric together. And yet… Dallas let both walk away.
First,… pic.twitter.com/7iYN6g9FVH
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Dallas once had two franchise-caliber guards. Now, both are starring in different stages. What once looked like the foundation of a championship backcourt became a case study in poor roster decisions. As Brunson and Doncic shine elsewhere, the Mavericks are left with regrets.
