Big Moves, Big Misses: How Two Stars Left Dallas in the Dust
The Dallas Mavericks once boasted a dream duo: Luka Dončić and Jalen Brunson.
Four years ago, the team could have kept both players for many seasons—until the league’s biggest trades unfolded.
- Dončić was shipped to the Los Angeles Lakers midway through the 2024‑25 season.
- Brunson signed a four‑year, $104 million deal with the New York Knicks before the 2022‑23 season.
Both men earned All‑NBA selections in 2026 and multiple All‑Star nods, but the true shock was not just losing Dončić—Brunson’s success in New York proved the real blow.
A Championship That Couldn’t Have Been
Brunson guided the Knicks to a 2026 NBA championship, scoring 45 points in Game 5 of the Finals—a road victory over the San Antonio Spurs. That win earned him Finals MVP honors and gave New York its first title since 1973.
Imagine a different path: if Dallas had kept both stars, the Mavericks could have hoisted a Larry O’Brien Trophy themselves.
The Fallout
Critics blasted Dallas as having committed “the biggest disaster in sports history.”
On June 13, Twitter user Zac Stevens highlighted the double loss. Many fans now wonder whether the franchise’s future will suffer from this decision.
Brunson’s Finals MVP status almost guarantees a Hall of Fame spot. Since 1969, only one former Finals MVP who is still eligible has not entered the Basketball Hall of Fame. Brunson’s post‑series comments praised teammates, coaches, and family for their support.
A Shared Origin
Both players were drafted by the same team:
- Dončić – third overall pick in 2018.
- Brunson – thirty‑third spot.
Their careers show a pattern of winning: Brunson led his high school to a state title, earned two college championships with Villanova, and now adds an NBA title to his résumé.
The Broader Trend
The trend of Finals MVPs coming from teams other than their original ones has been common in the last decade. This shift reflects the dynamic nature of NBA rosters and the importance of fit over origin.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks’ choice to let go of both stars has left many fans debating whether the franchise made a strategic mistake or simply missed an opportunity. Only time will reveal if Dallas can rebuild and reclaim its place among the league’s elite.
