Hypothetical Trades: What 28 NBA Teams Could Have Offered for Luka Doncic

Imagine a scenario where the Dallas Mavericks decided to make Luka Doncic available to every other team in the league.

This hypothetical question was considered by executives around the NBA in early February, after news broke of a potential blockbuster trade sending Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to Dallas. However, the Mavericks only engaged in discussions with the Lakers regarding a possible deal.

To explore this further, we analyzed teams that were not involved in the actual trade and developed 28 hypothetical trade frameworks for the All-Star guard, in addition to examining what the Lakers could have potentially offered.

It`s important to consider several factors when evaluating these scenarios.

Firstly, the trade negotiations between the Mavericks and Lakers were confidential and intricate. A key reason the trade occurred was the absence of widespread rumors. If Doncic had been openly available to all teams, the trade might have collapsed.

Lakers owner Jeannie Buss noted in February that leaks and failed trades would be unfair and disruptive to the team`s progress.

Secondly, salary cap and apron rules play a crucial role. At the time, the Lakers were below the second apron, limiting their ability to take on additional salary. The Mavericks were also under the first apron and required Anthony Davis to waive his trade bonus. These same financial constraints are applied to our hypothetical trades, using team rosters from February 1st.

Lastly, we considered that Doncic, potentially a free agent in 2026, might not commit long-term to a new team. This factor influenced the hypothetical trade packages, especially for rebuilding teams.

Which teams would risk significant assets for a potentially short-term Doncic rental? Which star players would be offered to Dallas? And which trade would the Mavericks have chosen if presented with 29 options?

Let`s delve into these hypothetical trades, imagining the landscape just before the surprising Lakers-Mavericks deal.

Jump to a Luka trade for:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI
CLE | DEN | DET | GS | HOU
IND | LAC | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

The Luka Trade

Los Angeles Lakers

What they traded:
Anthony Davis
Max Christie
2029 unprotected first-round pick

What they could have offered:
Anthony Davis
Austin Reaves
2029 unprotected first-round pick
2030 first-round swap
2031 unprotected first-round pick

Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban suggested the team should have received more from the Lakers.

Cuban stated that if trading Doncic, the Mavericks should have aimed for a better return, suggesting four unprotected first-round picks, Anthony Davis, and Max Christie would have been a more favorable outcome.

Due to prior obligations on draft picks, the Lakers could only offer a maximum of two first-round picks at the time.

To reach Cuban`s desired four first-round picks, the Mavericks would have needed to trade Austin Reaves separately for additional future picks.

Jeannie Buss emphasized the importance of not dismantling the Lakers` existing team structure during the trade.

The Best Offers for Dallas

If Dallas had considered broader trade discussions, two teams stood out with ideal packages: win-now players combined with valuable draft picks.

Cleveland Cavaliers

What they could have offered:
Darius Garland
Jarrett Allen
2031 unprotected first-round pick

Trading for Doncic would present both risks and rewards for Cleveland. The reward is a potentially dominant backcourt pairing Doncic with Donovan Mitchell, already leading the Eastern Conference. The risk lies in disrupting team chemistry mid-season and weakening their frontcourt by trading Allen.

Note: To balance salaries, Dallas would also include Maxi Kleber in this hypothetical deal.

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Houston Rockets

What they could have offered:
Dillon Brooks
Reed Sheppard
Jabari Smith Jr.
2025 unprotected first-round pick (via Phoenix)
2027 unprotected first-round pick (via Phoenix)

The Rockets possess the assets to make a significant trade while maintaining a competitive roster. Doncic could join a starting lineup with Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Alperen Sengun. Houston would still retain several tradable first-round picks for future deals.

Swaps of All-Star Guards

For some teams, the question is whether to trade established All-Star guards like Trae Young, LaMelo Ball, or James Harden to acquire Doncic.

Atlanta Hawks

What they could have offered:
Trae Young
Onyeka Okongwu
2025 unprotected first-round pick (via Lakers)
2029 unprotected first-round pick

There`s irony in potentially trading Young for Doncic, given their draft-day trade in 2018. The challenge would be convincing Doncic to join a roster with young players like Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels.

The Hawks can offer unprotected first-round picks in 2025 (via Lakers) and 2029, despite their own pick control limitations until 2028.

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Charlotte Hornets

What they could have offered:
LaMelo Ball
Mark Williams
2027 first-round pick
2027 top-14 protected first-round pick (via Charlotte; unprotected in 2028 if not conveyed)

The Hornets, another rebuilding team, have young talent and draft picks to make a compelling offer. However, acquiring Doncic would leave them with a young core of Miller, Salaun, and a likely high draft pick. Long-term commitment from Doncic would be a question mark.

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LA Clippers

What they could have offered:
James Harden
Terance Mann
2030 first-round pick swap
2031 unprotected first-round pick

A Harden-Kyrie Irving reunion in Dallas could be an option if the Clippers avoided including Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers lack the draft assets of other teams and cannot trade their own first-round pick until 2031.

Superstar Backcourt Partners

For teams like the Pistons and Warriors with existing star guards, acquiring Doncic would create a potentially dominant backcourt.

Detroit Pistons

What they could have offered:
Tobias Harris
Ausar Thompson
Ron Holland II
2027 unprotected first-round pick
2029 unprotected first-round pick

Acquiring Doncic could elevate the Pistons in the Eastern Conference, pairing him with Cade Cunningham. However, it might impact team depth. The partnership of young guards and coach J.B. Bickerstaff could appeal to Doncic long-term.

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Golden State Warriors

What they could have offered:
Andrew Wiggins
Jonathan Kuminga
Brandin Podziemski
Gary Payton II
2025 unprotected first-round pick
2026 first-round pick swap
2027 unprotected first-round pick
2030 first-round pick (if 1-20)

A Doncic-Curry pairing would be a blockbuster. This trade would resemble the Warriors` acquisition of Jimmy Butler, including Kuminga, Podziemski, draft picks and a swap.

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Indiana Pacers

What they could have offered:
Myles Turner
Bennedict Mathurin
Aaron Nesmith
Obi Toppin
2028 unprotected first-round pick
2030 unprotected first-round pick

The Pacers would retain Tyrese Haliburton, but this trade would significantly reshape their roster, sending out key players and draft picks. Alternatively, Pascal Siakam could be offered instead of the four players.

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Memphis Grizzlies

What they could have offered:
Desmond Bane
Jaylen Wells
Brandon Clarke
2027 unprotected first-round pick
2029 unprotected first-round pick

Trading for Doncic would likely require parting with one of their young stars. Desmond Bane is presented as the most logical choice here to maintain frontcourt depth.

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Philadelphia 76ers

What they could have offered:
Paul George
Jared McCain
2026 first-round pick (least favorable of Houston; if 6-30, Oklahoma City and Clippers),
2028 unprotected first-round pick (via Clippers)
2029 unprotected first-round pick
2031 unprotected first-round pick

The 76ers, unable to trade Joel Embiid, could offer Paul George. Tyrese Maxey is considered untouchable in these hypothetical talks. Philadelphia can offer a maximum of four first-round picks.

More Bigs for the Mavs

The Mavericks prioritized acquiring a defensive-minded center like Anthony Davis. Bam Adebayo, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Domantas Sabonis are other big men who could have fit this criteria.

Miami Heat

What they could have offered:
Bam Adebayo
Haywood Highsmith
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
2029 unprotected first-round pick
2031 unprotected first-round pick

Focusing on frontcourt strength, Adebayo would be a strong fit for Dallas, more so than Jimmy Butler (hypothetically still on the Heat at the time). The Heat could build around Doncic with Tyler Herro, Kel`el Ware, and assets from a potential Butler trade.

Note: To free up draft picks, Miami would need to adjust protections on picks owed to Oklahoma City and Charlotte.

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New York Knicks

What they could have offered:
Karl-Anthony Towns
2025 top-10 protected first-round pick (via Washington; 2026 top-8 protected if not conveyed)

A Doncic-Jalen Brunson reunion in New York is intriguing, but the Knicks` offer might be less substantial than the Lakers` actual deal. They have limited tradable first-round picks and are contractually top-heavy. A revised offer could involve Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart instead of Towns.

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Sacramento Kings

What they could have offered:
Domantas Sabonis
Keon Ellis
Devin Carter
2028 unprotected first-round pick
2030 unprotected first-round pick

Doncic could join the Kings nearly seven years after they passed on him in the draft. A Doncic-De`Aaron Fox backcourt would be exciting, but trading Sabonis and facing potential free agency for both stars poses risks for Sacramento.

The Apron Teams

Teams above the second apron faced restrictions in trades. The Celtics could only trade Jaylen Brown, while the Nuggets, as a first-apron team, had slightly more flexibility but limited options beyond Michael Porter Jr.

Denver Nuggets

What they could have offered:
Michael Porter Jr.
Christian Braun
Dario Saric
2031 unprotected first-round pick

The Nuggets would not trade Nikola Jokic, and other key players were unavailable for trade. Porter and Braun become the most valuable trade assets.

Note: To include their 2031 pick, Denver would need to adjust protections on picks owed to Oklahoma City.

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Boston Celtics

What they could have offered:
Jaylen Brown
2027 unprotected first-round pick
2031 unprotected first-round pick

Trading Brown, even as Finals MVP, is unlikely for Boston. However, apron restrictions limit their options to Brown as a centerpiece. The trade would pair Doncic with Jayson Tatum, creating a top-tier duo.

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Milwaukee Bucks

What they could have offered:
Damian Lillard
2031 unprotected first-round pick

The Bucks, also over the second apron, have limited trade flexibility. Their options are essentially Lillard or Giannis Antetokounmpo, with only their 2031 first-round pick available.

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Minnesota Timberwolves

What they could have offered:
Rudy Gobert
2025 first-round pick (via Detroit; top-13 protected)
2028 first-round pick swap

Minnesota`s apron restrictions limit them to trading Gobert or Anthony Edwards. Edwards is likely untouchable, leaving Gobert as the primary option. Past trades have depleted their draft assets.

Phoenix Suns

What they could have offered:
Kevin Durant
2025 first-round pick (via Cleveland)
2027 first-round pick (least favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota and Utah)
2029 first-round pick (least favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota; if 6-30, and Utah)

The Suns` restrictions and Bradley Beal`s no-trade clause limit them to trading Durant or Devin Booker. Booker is younger and under contract longer, making Durant the more likely trade option. Phoenix can offer a maximum of three first-round picks.

Historic Draft-Pick Packages

Some teams could focus on offering massive draft-pick packages, similar to the Thunder`s past trades.

Brooklyn Nets

What they could have offered:
Nic Claxton
Cam Thomas
De`Anthony Melton
Four first-round picks

Brooklyn has a wealth of draft picks and players to offer. However, committing significant assets in their early rebuild stage might be premature. Their offer includes first-rounders acquired from the Knicks.

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New Orleans Pelicans

What they could have offered:
CJ McCollum
Herbert Jones
2025 unprotected first-round pick
2027 unprotected first-round pick
2029 unprotected first-round pick
2031 unprotected first-round pick

The Pelicans have numerous players to consider trading. The Mavericks might aim to exclude Zion Williamson and instead acquire additional unprotected first-round picks.

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Oklahoma City Thunder

What they could have offered:
Lu Dort
Isaiah Joe
Aaron Wiggins
Ousmane Dieng
Kenrich Williams
2025 first-round pick (via Philadelphia; top-6 protected)
2025 first-round pick (via Miami; top-14 protected)
2026 first-round pick (most favorable of OKC, Houston; if 6-30, and Clippers)
2027 Denver first (top-5 protected)
2029 Denver first (top-5 protected)
2029 unprotected first-round pick
2031 unprotected first-round pick

A historically large package, but imagine pairing Doncic with the Thunder`s core. Protecting their core players, Oklahoma City could offer a record-breaking seven first-round picks, along with depth players.

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Orlando Magic

What they could have offered:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Cole Anthony
Anthony Black
Jett Howard
2025 unprotected first-round pick
2027 unprotected first-round pick
2029 unprotected first-round pick
2031 unprotected first-round pick
2025 first-round pick (via Denver; top-5 protected)

The Magic have several first-round picks but face challenges in salary matching. They would likely offer a combination of Caldwell-Pope, Anthony, and young former first-round picks.

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San Antonio Spurs

What they could have offered:
Harrison Barnes
Tre Jones
Zach Collins
2025 unprotected first-round pick
2025 unprotected first-round pick (via Atlanta)
2027 unprotected first-round pick
2027 unprotected first-round pick (via Atlanta)
2029 unprotected first-round pick
2031 unprotected first-round pick (via Minnesota)

The Spurs could have considered Doncic versus De`Aaron Fox before the trade deadline. Choosing Doncic would mean pairing him with Victor Wembanyama at the cost of an unprecedented six unprotected first-round picks, while retaining core players.

Rebuilding Teams Take the Risk

For rebuilding teams, acquiring a top-five player like Doncic is a rare opportunity. However, the uncertainty of his long-term commitment influences trade offers.

Chicago Bulls

What they could have offered:
Zach LaVine
Matas Buzelis
2028 unprotected first-round pick
2030 unprotected first-round pick

The Bulls could move on from LaVine, but at the cost of Buzelis and valuable draft picks. Doncic would join a guard-heavy roster in Chicago.

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Portland Trail Blazers

What they could have offered:
Scoot Henderson
Jerami Grant
Shaedon Sharpe
2029 first-round pick (most favorable of Portland, Boston and Milwaukee)
2029 first-round pick (least favorable of Portland, Boston and Milwaukee)
2030 unprotected first-round pick

The Trail Blazers could offer their young players, but the high price might be risky given Doncic`s potential free agency. They could adjust pick protections owed to Chicago to improve their offer.

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Toronto Raptors

What they could have offered:
Immanuel Quickley
Gradey Dick
Ochai Agbaji
2025 unprotected first-round pick
2027 first-round pick (via Indiana; top-4 protected)
2029 unprotected first-round pick

Scottie Barnes is unavailable for trade. The Raptors` best offer would include draft picks, Quickley, Dick, and Agbaji. They would still have assets to pursue Brandon Ingram in a separate trade.

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Utah Jazz

What they could have offered:
John Collins
Isaiah Collier
Taylor Hendricks
Two 2027 first-round picks (most favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota and Utah)
2029 first-round pick (most favorable of Cleveland, Minnesota; if 6-30, and Utah)

The Jazz possess a significant collection of first-round picks to offer, accumulated through rebuilding efforts. However, sacrificing these assets for Doncic would be a major decision after years of rebuilding.

• Their own first-round pick in six of the next seven drafts

• Five unprotected first-round picks from Cleveland and Minnesota

• A top-4 protected 2027 first-round pick from the Lakers

• A top-5 protected 2029 first-round pick from the Timberwolves

Note: Collins` salary is necessary to make the trade work, as Lauri Markkanen is untradeable.

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Washington Wizards

What they could have offered:
Alex Sarr
Jordan Poole
2028 unprotected first-round pick
2029 first-round pick (second-most favorable of Portland, Boston and Milwaukee)
2030 unprotected first-round pick

Doncic could accelerate Washington`s rebuild, but giving up a top pick like Sarr and multiple first-rounders is a steep price, especially with potential short-term commitment from Doncic. A small benefit is offloading Jordan Poole`s contract.

For Dallas, Sarr could be a future asset, but the unprotected first-round picks hold significant value, particularly if Doncic leaves Washington in free agency.