The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly been lurking as a trade partner for Giannis Antetokounmpo for years now, but their window has long passed. If Dallas truly wanted the Greek Freak, they had a trio of golden opportunities. First, at any point when Luka Doncic was on their roster. Second, when the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft belonged to them. Third, when they had Jason Kidd.
This summer, they have almost no shot.
Mavericks should have pounced years ago
Per NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), Dallas has been an intriguing spot to Giannis over the last several years. Unsurprisingly, the prominent reasoning behind that was the idea of pairing up with Luka Doncic. It certainly wouldn't have hurt to reunite with Jason Kidd, Giannis' former coach in Milwaukee, whom he had plenty of fondness for.
Yet, if Dallas truly wanted to employ Giannis, they should have made a deal when Doncic was on the squad. Of course, they traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a 2025 blockbuster, taking away one of the most desirable aspects of playing in Dallas.
Still, even without playing with Doncic, perhaps the thought of joining forces with Kidd again would have appealed to Giannis.
If the Mavericks were really ready to win now, offering the top overall pick in the 2025 draft would have been an intriguing conversation starter last summer. The Milwaukee Bucks were at least on the phone listening to Giannis offers at that point, and having the opportunity to kick off their rebuild with Cooper Flagg would have made an offer worth heavily considering. Yet, Dallas held on.
Even without Doncic or offering the top overall pick, the last sliver of hope Dallas had was that the desire to unite with Kidd could steer Giannis to Dallas. Well, that has also gone out the window, as the Mavericks fired Kidd recently despite his successful track record and having several more years on his contract.
Three strikes; you're out.
Dallas won't be a serious Giannis suitor
As Stein reports, Dallas isn't expected to heavily pursue Giannis this summer as they look to build around 19-year-old Cooper Flagg. Adding a 31-year-old player in his prime would accelerate their timeline, but there could be some head-butting between Flagg and Antetokounmpo. It might make more sense to just keep the keys to the franchise in Flagg's hands.
The Bucks should have no problem with that, as Dallas doesn't have much that should excite the team outside of this year's draft pick and Flagg, who is certainly off the table. It was interesting to think about, but nothing is happening here. Dallas had a handful of opportunities to go all-in for the Greek Freak, and they missed out on all. The Bucks must look elsewhere.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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