Arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history went down over the weekend, with the Mavericks sending superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
The basketball world was collectively stunned at how little Dallas seemed to get back in return for a top-five player in the league that is just 25 years old. Doncic had just taken the Mavs to the NBA Finals. Regardless of the concerns surrounding his defense and conditioning, is that not a player that you invest in for the long haul?
The Mavericks decided not to, and it led other fanbases of other teams to ponder the question: what would it have taken for their team to get Doncic?
Chris McMonigle wondered if the Knicks would have been willing to give up Jalen Brunson for his former teammate in Dallas.
“If the Mavericks call and say ‘Give us Brunson and a first for Luka,’ do you do it?” C-Mac wondered, adding that a bench player like Miles McBride would likely need to be added as well. “Brunson and a one for Luka? You have to consider it...Deuce and the one are not the issue.
“He’s an incredible scorer. He just took this team to the NBA Finals. I think the Knicks would have to consider it. Not saying they would do it, but they would have to consider it.”
Producer Mike Fliegelman agreed, that even with Brunson’s star power and his undeniable connection with the fanbase, the Knicks would have to give that hypothetical trade some serious thought.
“If you’re sitting there in that front office, Thibs included...they can talk themselves into Luka at the point with Josh Hart, KAT, Bridges, and Anunoby,” Fliegs said. “It’s a more talented team, as much as we love Jalen Brunson.”
It wouldn’t be a conundrum unique to the Knicks, as C-Mac believes almost every team in the league would have to consider parting with their own star to bring in a top-five player in his prime.
“Maybe the Spurs wouldn’t trade Wemby or the Thunder wouldn’t trade [SGA],” C-Mac said. “But other than that?”