Mavericks trade for rights to Luka Doncic at NBA Draft

SHARE Mavericks trade for rights to Luka Doncic at NBA Draft
nba_draft_76950970_e1529624297877.jpg

Luka Doncic was one of the top talents in the draft. | Darko Vojinovic/AP Photo

The Mavericks have acquired the rights to Slovenia guard Luka Doncic, who the Hawks selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The Mavericks sent the rights to No. 5 overall pick Trae Young and a protected 2019 first-round pick to the Hawks.

Doncic had been in the running to be the No. 1 overall pick, but the Suns ultimately opted for Arizona big man Deandre Ayton to open the night. The Kings also passed on Doncic by taking Duke forward Marvin Bagley III with the No. 2 overall pick.

Doncic, one of the most well-regarded talents to come out of Europe in recent memory, is coming off a stellar season overseas. He won Euroleague MVP and Euroleague Final Four MVP as a 19-year-old and showed he could not only play alongside older players, but thrive against them.

During the 2017-18 season, Doncic averaged 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. He shot 45.6 percent from the floor. The Mavericks could’ve waited for a different prospect to fall to them at No. 5, but decided that it was worth giving up additional assets to move up two spots to land Doncic, who could be a franchise cornerstone for them.

The move potentially gives Dallas a new European star to build around with Dirk Nowitzki nearing the end of his career. The Hawks are taking a big bet that Young will work out better over the long haul.


The Latest
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near Minooka. The horse was successfully placed back into the trailer, and the highway reopened about 40 minutes later. No injuries were reported.
The Hawks conceded the game’s only two goals within the first seven minutes and were shut out for the 12th time this season in a 2-0 defeat Thursday.