The Dallas Mavericks are built around superstar guard Luka Doncic, but they need to keep him happy. He is the future of the franchise and the Mavs desperately need to start putting a good team around him.
A report on Monday which explored the turbulence in the Mavs' front office has lent a new level of urgency to the organization in its task to maintain continuity and stability.
Luka Doncic carried the team in round one of the playoffs but eventually lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games.
He showed his ability to elevate his play in the playoffs as he averaged 35.7 points per game along with 7.9 rebounds and 10.3 assists. The Mavericks need to start surrounding Doncic with talent to ensure he will stay with the team.
Here are 5 things the Mavericks must do to keep Luka Doncic happy.
5. Give Luka Doncic a supermax extension
Luka Doncic is worth every penny of a supermax extension and the Mavericks need to lock him up. He is eligible to sign a five year extension worth over $200 million according to ESPN's analyst Bobby Marks. Offering him up this extension is a no brainier as he is the key to the franchise's success for years to come.
If the Mavericks can get this deal done it will be a start in making him happy.
4. Get Doncic a lob threat
Great players and especially passers benefit from having a lob threat. If the Mavericks can get Luka Doncic a lob threat it could take the offense to a whole new level especially in the pick and roll. Players like LeBron James and Chris Paul have benefited over the years as it allows them another option to get an assist.
The Mavericks should look to acquire a lob threat in free agency or via trade to help the offense become even more lethal.
3. Get shooters around Doncic
It's no secret that Luka Doncic draws a ton of attention from the defense and the team needs to improve the shooting around him.
Even when double teamed Luka Doncic is a great passer and can create open looks often from three for his teammates. The problem is not everyone on the roster is a good three point shooter. This is costly especially when he is doubled teamed late in a game and his teammates can't knock down the open looks.
Just a season ago the Mavericks had Seth Curry who is one of the best shooters in the league. This trade may of been costly as the team now needs to add more shooting and are without one of the best. In free agency and on the trade market the Mavs need to target shooters to surround Luka Doncic on offense.
2. Trade Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis was expected to be the secondary star for the Mavericks behind Luka Doncic but he has been inconsistent. He has had moments of being that true second star but his injuries and lack of consistency has been detrimental to the team. Porzingis has also expressed anger with the team and his role in the offense.
It is time for the Mavericks to move on from Porzingis as he could become a toxic player in the locker room.
1. Get Luka Doncic a true co-star
After getting rid of Porzingis the Mavericks will need to get Luka Doncic a true co-star. Free agency has some hitters that would make an instant impact as a star next to Doncic. The leading candidate would obviously be star forward Kawhi Leonard. He has a player option but if he opts out of it he would be a perfect signing for the team.
Leonard is a player that is the same level player as Luka Doncic — they are both superstars.
If the Mavericks can get Doncic a true co-star, the team could become championship contenders in the near future.
The Mavs have some work to do but if they can accomplish these things Luka Doncic will be happy.
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