Report: Luka Dončić Has 'Remained Far from Contemplating' Future with Mavericks

Luka Dončić has no plans on leaving the Dallas Mavericks anytime soon.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported Dončić has "remained far from contemplating any future with another franchise" amid rumors about the pressure facing the Mavericks to bring a costar to Dallas.

The Mavericks made a blockbuster move at the deadline, adding Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.

From a pure basketball perspective, the Mavericks got a superstar to pair with Dončić at a steep discount. Irving is a first-ballot future Hall of Famer, making eight All-Star and three All-NBA teams while also reaching three NBA Finals (one championship) while with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He's one of the best ball-handlers in NBA history while also providing elite shooting off the ball as a floor-spacer.

That said, executives were wary of Dallas' gamble on Irving. He missed most of the 2021-22 season over his refusal to undergo COVID-19 vaccination and was suspended for eight games earlier this season due to his promotion of an antisemitic movie and initial failure to disavow its message.

Irving has also had a contentious relationship with media, promoted flat-earth theories and posted a video featuring Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist who called the Sandy Hook massacre a hoax, describing a "New World Order."

Even Irving's first questions about his future in Dallas—just days after the trade—included dodgy answers.

"It puts unwarranted distractions on us and our team," Irving told reporters Monday regarding his contract status. "I've dealt with it before, and it's very emotionally draining to ask questions like, 'What's the long term? What's the long term?'"

Dončić is under contract through at least the 2025-26 season (player option for 26-27) and has seemed more than happy in Dallas. Mavericks governor Mark Cuban has extensive experience in keeping a superstar happy after his successful relationship with Dirk Nowitzki, but Dallas has struggled in building a title contender around Dončić.

After the team's first attempt at landing a co-star, Kristaps Porziņģis was traded for pennies on the dollar last season after he and Dončić failed to mesh.

Given Irving's recent history of alienating teammates, it's fair to wonder whether pairing him with Dončić will be a good idea.