Mavericks legend sees potential in Luka Doncic & Serbian star connection in Dallas: "Hopefully he finishes his career there"
The NBA offseason is time for 'lunch table' moves, situations that are heavily unlikely given the landscape of the league but still fun to discuss, like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic teaming up for the same team.
An example of such a move is the duo of Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, two of the best international players in NBA history. The two have fed into this scenario, with Jokic commenting on the possibility of the European stars teaming up during the NBA All-Star break last season.
"I like it here, and it's a great organization. If Luka gets pissed off in Dallas, then he can come," Jokic told reporters.
Talks of this hypothetical duo are resurfacing this offseason after Jokic and Doncic appeared on the same team for Goran Dragic's farewell game. Dallas Mavericks legend and NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki shared his thoughts on the potential of the Jokic-Doncic duo.
"I hope that would happen in Dallas," Nowtizki said. "I'm not sure if that will ever happen, but obviously, both are two of the best players in the world, if not the best players in the world. They both have a great relationship with each other. They respect each other and like each other genuinely."
Nowitzki continued:
"I'm not sure, but of course, we want Luka in Dallas as long as we can. Hopefully, he finishes his career there, but I love Jokic's game, how he plays the game with passion, and the skill level as a big is unbelievable."
Fully feeding into the star-studded duo's hypothetical linkup, here's how a Jokic-Doncic duo could happen in the NBA.
Denver or Dallas? Discussing where a Luka Doncic-Nikola Jokic duo could happen
Given Jokic's answer, the only place a Luka Doncic-Nikola Jokic duo could form is in Denver, and who could blame him? The three-time MVP has turned the Nuggets into a powerhouse in the Western Conference, winning the NBA championship in the 2022-23 season.
While a Nikola Jokic-Luka Doncic duo seems unlikely, it's not impossible. The Mavericks have enjoyed some recent success, but they took issue with Doncic's constant complaining to referees throughout the playoffs last season.
It's certainly not enough to move him in a trade, but mouting frustration on Luka Doncic's part could lead to a potential breakup with Dallas in free agency. Doncic and Nikola Jokic's relationship has greatly developed, and the two are regularly seen together around NBA All-Star weekends, giving reason to believe the two could be interested in teaming up.
Another factor would be Denver's interest in adding Luka Doncic. While they would have to move Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray to clear enough cap space for a player like Doncic, the duo would almost certainly make up for it with their on-court success.
The two would likely be considered the best international duo in NBA history from the jump and could turn the Nuggets into a dynasty with Doncic and Jokic leading the way.
If Doncic turns down the near $350 million contract he's set to make next offseason (he likely won't), he could open himself up for a potential union with Nikola Jokic if Denver shows interest.