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NBA Rumors: Possible Knicks target Luka Doncic denies trade report

By Jordanna Clark

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on April 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on April 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks are in the playoffs, but when the offseason begins, fans likely won’t need to turn their attention to the 2023 NBA Draft to find out who the newest Knick will be. The tanking Mavericks finished with the 10th-best lottery odds, meaning that Dallas will likely get to keep its top-10 protected first-round pick that was sent to New York as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade in 2019.

The Mavericks still had a chance to make the play-in tournament with two regular season games left to play, but Dallas chose to rest four starters against Chicago. The three-point loss eliminated the team from play-in contention.

Even before valuing a top-10 pick over a spot in the play-in, there was talk about Luka Doncic’s future. Will the 24-year-old be the next disgruntled star to want out? Was Doncic considering leaving Dallas?

Then a report by ESPN’s Tim Macmahon added more fuel to the Luka trade fire:

"Team sources have acknowledged to ESPN that fear exists that Doncic, who publicly and privately expressed extreme frustration this season, could consider requesting a trade as soon as the summer of 2024 if Dallas doesn’t make significant progress by then."

Luka Doncic denies trade rumors after Mavericks tank to prevent Knicks from having a 2023 first-round pick

Luka Doncic followed that trade report up by saying, “I’m happy here, so there’s nothing to worry [about].”

Doncic added:

"“It was funny, you know, because I didn’t know that was true,” said Doncic, who averaged a career-high 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 points per game this season. “I didn’t say it.”"

He did admit that he “didn’t like” the Mavericks’ decision to wave the white flag when the team’s play-in tournament hopes were still within reach. However, he hasn’t indicated that he wants a trade. Then again, though, if he were thinking about wanting out, he wouldn’t admit it.

If Doncic were to decide that he wanted to be traded, the Knicks would emerge as a landing spot if the team were still in search of a star. New York not only has the assets, but Doncic would get to reunite with former teammate Jalen Brunson. The Knicks are set for the future, even without having a 2023 first-round pick, while the Mavericks’ future isn’t so clear.

Although Luka Doncic seems to be satisfied in Dallas for the time being, you can bet that multiple front offices around the league (including New York) are monitoring his situation.

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