For years, fans have speculated about the possibility of European stars Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic joining forces in the NBA. However, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon dismissed this idea on a recent episode of ‘The Hoop Collective’ podcast, explaining that the salary cap rules and the assets both the Mavericks and Nuggets have make such a trade nearly impossible.
“I don’t see either scenario happening,” MacMahon said. “The Nuggets lack the assets for a blockbuster trade, especially one as massive as acquiring Luka. And the same applies to Dallas; it’s just not feasible at this point. Perhaps later in their careers, but the odds are extremely slim.”
MacMahon also highlighted the close friendship between Jokic and Doncic, noting that they often spend time together when their teams play each other, but emphasized that a trade between the Nuggets and Mavericks is highly unlikely for now.
Despite the friendship and cultural ties between the Serbian and Slovenian stars, any potential team-up would likely have to wait. Both players are under long-term contracts, making free agency team-ups out of the question for the foreseeable future.
Of course, the NBA is known for surprising trades, but given the salary cap constraints and competitive nature of both teams, a deal involving Jokic and Doncic is not expected anytime soon.
As for Luka Doncic’s MVP potential, while Jokic is the reigning MVP, Doncic has consistently been in the running. This season, with the addition of Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson to the Mavericks, Doncic may have his best chance yet to secure his first MVP trophy, especially if the team can achieve a top-three seed in the Western Conference.
