Tim Cato of The Athletic confirmed a report from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that there are fears within the Dallas Mavericks that Luka Doncic could request a trade as early as 2024.
“Team sources, in recent weeks, have expressed similar concerns to The Athletic about the impact this season’s collapse could have on Doncic’s future in Dallas and willingness to be patient,” wrote Cato. “They have reiterated those same fears of complacency all season, and especially now.”
Doncic attempted to deflect MacMahon’s report during his media availability on Sunday by indicating it didn’t come from him.
“It was funny, you know, because I didn’t know that was true. I didn’t say it,” said Doncic.
MacMahon clarified his reporting by saying that it was fears from within the Mavericks and not Doncic’s camp.
Sources told Cato in 2021 that they were motivated to speak openly about the frustrations of Doncic because of the “urgency” around the coming seasons. The Mavericks went on to reach the Western Conference Finals that season, but didn’t even qualify for the Play-In in 2023.