Could the Mavericks Land a $68 Million Serbian Star to Form a Dominant Trio with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving?
The Dallas Mavericks have always been a franchise willing to take bold risks in pursuit of NBA dominance. From acquiring Luka Doncic in a draft-night trade in 2018 to signing Kyrie Irving in 2023, the Mavericks have consistently sought to assemble a roster capable of contending for championships. Now, whispers around the league suggest the team may be eyeing a $68 million Serbian star to form a formidable Big Three alongside Doncic and Irving. If successful, this move could reshape the Mavericks’ trajectory and make them one of the most exciting teams in the NBA.
The Serbian Star in Question
The player at the heart of these rumors is Bogdan Bogdanovic, the versatile wing currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks. A proven scorer and playmaker, Bogdanovic has consistently demonstrated his ability to contribute at a high level in the NBA. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, basketball IQ, and clutch performances, Bogdanovic brings a unique skill set that could complement Doncic and Irving perfectly.
Bogdanovic signed a four-year, $68 million deal with the Hawks in 2021, making him one of the league’s more valuable mid-tier contracts. His ability to score both on and off the ball, coupled with his defensive tenacity, makes him a coveted asset for teams looking to make a deep playoff run.
Why Bogdanovic Is an Ideal Fit for Dallas
For the Mavericks, the potential acquisition of Bogdanovic is about more than just adding another talented player. It’s about addressing key roster needs and building a team that can compete with the elite squads in the Western Conference. Here’s why Bogdanovic would be an ideal fit for Dallas:
1. Floor Spacing and Scoring
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are two of the most dynamic offensive players in the NBA, but their success relies heavily on having teammates who can space the floor and knock down open shots. Bogdanovic’s career three-point shooting percentage of nearly 39% makes him a perfect fit in this regard.
Not only is Bogdanovic an elite catch-and-shoot option, but he’s also capable of creating his own shot when needed. This ability to score in a variety of ways would alleviate some of the offensive burden on Doncic and Irving, allowing them to operate more freely.
2. Secondary Playmaking
One of the Mavericks’ challenges in recent seasons has been finding a reliable secondary playmaker to support Luka Doncic. While Kyrie Irving addresses this need to some extent, having another capable ball handler like Bogdanovic would add an extra layer of versatility to the Mavericks’ offense.
Bogdanovic’s court vision and decision-making make him a valuable facilitator, particularly in situations where defenses key in on Doncic and Irving. His presence would give Dallas another option to initiate offense, keeping defenses guessing and preventing double-teams from stifling the Mavericks’ stars.
3. Defensive Versatility
While Bogdanovic isn’t an elite defender, he’s a capable and willing one. At 6’6”, he has the size and length to guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset in the Mavericks’ defensive schemes. His ability to switch onto various matchups would provide Dallas with greater flexibility on that end of the floor.
Given the Mavericks’ struggles on defense last season, adding a player like Bogdanovic who can contribute on both ends of the court would be a significant step forward.
How the Mavericks Could Make This Happen
Acquiring Bogdanovic wouldn’t come without its challenges. The Mavericks would need to navigate financial constraints and negotiate with the Atlanta Hawks, who may be reluctant to part with one of their key contributors.
1. Trade Package Options
The most likely path for the Mavericks to acquire Bogdanovic would be via trade. Dallas could offer a package centered around Tim Hardaway Jr., whose $17.9 million salary could help match Bogdanovic’s contract. Including young players like Josh Green or Jaden Hardy, along with future draft picks, could sweeten the deal for Atlanta.
The Hawks, for their part, might consider moving Bogdanovic if they feel it would help them address other areas of need, such as adding size in the frontcourt or acquiring more defensive-minded players.
2. Navigating the Salary Cap
The Mavericks are already operating close to the luxury tax line, so adding Bogdanovic’s contract would require careful financial planning. However, team owner Mark Cuban has shown a willingness to spend when he believes it will improve the team’s chances of winning a championship.
If Dallas views Bogdanovic as the missing piece to their puzzle, they may be willing to absorb the additional salary or look for creative ways to restructure their roster.
What This Move Would Mean for Dallas
Adding Bogdanovic to the roster would signal the Mavericks’ commitment to maximizing their championship window with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The potential Big Three of Doncic, Irving, and Bogdanovic would give Dallas one of the most potent offensive trios in the NBA, capable of competing with the likes of the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors.
1. A More Balanced Roster
One of the criticisms of the Mavericks in recent years has been their lack of balance. While Doncic and Irving can carry the offense, the team has often struggled with consistency from its supporting cast. Bogdanovic’s arrival would address this issue, providing Dallas with a reliable third scoring option and stabilizing presence.
2. Increased Playoff Potential
The Western Conference is as competitive as ever, with several teams vying for supremacy. To make a deep playoff run, the Mavericks will need more than just star power—they’ll need depth, cohesion, and players who can step up in critical moments. Bogdanovic checks all these boxes, making him a valuable addition for a team with championship aspirations.
3. Strengthening Luka Doncic’s Loyalty
Luka Doncic is the face of the Mavericks franchise, and ensuring his happiness and commitment to the team is a top priority. Building a competitive roster around him is essential to keeping him in Dallas for the long term. Acquiring a player of Bogdanovic’s caliber would send a strong message to Doncic that the organization is fully invested in winning.
Challenges and Risks
While the potential benefits of acquiring Bogdanovic are clear, there are also risks involved. The Mavericks would need to ensure that the chemistry between Doncic, Irving, and Bogdanovic works seamlessly. Additionally, parting with young assets or draft picks could limit the team’s flexibility in the future.
There’s also the question of whether Bogdanovic’s skill set is enough to elevate Dallas into true championship contention. While he would undoubtedly improve the team, the Mavericks may still need to address other areas, such as rim protection and rebounding, to become a complete contender.
Conclusion: A Bold Move for a Bright Future
The possibility of the Dallas Mavericks acquiring Bogdan Bogdanovic is an exciting prospect for fans and analysts alike. His combination of shooting, playmaking, and defensive versatility would make him an excellent fit alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, forming a trio capable of competing with the best teams in the league.
While challenges remain in making this move a reality, the potential rewards make it a risk worth considering. For a franchise eager to return to championship contention, adding a player of Bogdanovic’s caliber could be the next step in building a team that can truly contend for an NBA title.
As the offseason continues, all eyes will be on the Mavericks to see if they can pull off this bold move and solidify their place among the league’s elite.
