With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks dreamed of winning their first NBA championship since 2011. But that dream was ripped apart by the Celtics in the NBA Finals. To continue building on this season’s improvement, the Mavs need more pieces around their dynamic duo, and a former NBA player knows precisely who to add.
During a recent episode of the “To The Baha” podcast, Raymond Felton floated the idea of the Mavericks acquiring 9-time NBA All-Star, Paul George. “[The Sixers are] trying to do three guys, three All-Stars in Philly, so why not try to do a three [on the Mavs],” said the former OKC player.
Paul George has been heavily linked with a move to the Sixers, who are set to hit free agency. While the Philly franchise has a shortlist of four max contract players that includes PG 13, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram, the former Pacers forward seems the most likely option to add alongside Joel Embiid.
The Cameroonian center also indicated the same during NBA Finals coverage when he joined ESPN’s analyst desk for game 4.
But at this stage of his career, Paul George’s aim is something different, and going to the Mavs might not fulfill that. Paul George recently commented on his podcast, “For sure contributing to winning basketball. I mean at this point… It’s not even about… Like people are saying, ‘chasing a championship.’ Like, it’s not that. But it’s playing the right style of basketball is what I’m chasing,” when talking about his target at this stage of his career. While he wants to get involved in a winning culture, the Championship is a priority for Doncic and Co., which he made abundantly clear after the NBA Finals.
Luka Doncic Wants to Fight for Championship Next Season
Following the heartbreaking loss to the Cs in just 5 games, Mavs players needed time to clear their headspace. Luka Doncic, in particular, was criticized for his defensive fragility despite record-breaking numbers. In a post-game interview, Doncic said, “I’m proud of every guy that stepped on the floor, all the coaches, all the people behind. Obviously, we didn’t win [the] Finals, but we did have a hell of a season, and I’m proud of every one of them.”
Doncic further added, “Just stay together, man. I think just having Kai on my team — I mean, on our team, he’s unbelievable. Just help him. We said, ‘We’ll fight together next season, and we just got to believe.’”
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving gelled to become one of the most revered duos in the league this season. With the breakout season for Dereck Lively II and a capable supporting cast, the franchise is set for the future. If Paul George gets into this mix, he will bring his wealth of experience to the team, and Dallas’ young side can use some of that.
For now, Doncic can have the much-needed break before the action picks up again next season.
