The Chicago Bulls showed intense interest in acquiring Luka Doncic in a trade, reportedly prepared to offer almost their entire roster to the Dallas Mavericks. Despite this strong trade interest from Chicago Bulls management, the Mavericks chose to trade Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers after secret negotiations in February, leaving the Bulls without their prime target.
According to a source cited by Joe Cowley of the Sun-Times, Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and his front office were ready to trade any and all players if the Mavericks had informed them that Doncic was available. This reveal highlights how serious the Bulls were about landing the Slovenian star and how closely they had monitored the situation behind the scenes.
The Bulls have been seeking a superstar for years, and Luka Doncic’s arrival would have marked a significant turning point for the franchise. With his youth, dynamic playstyle, and competitive drive, Doncic would have injected fresh energy and legitimacy into Chicago’s roster, potentially ushering the team back into playoff contention following a prolonged period of middling results. Unfortunately for Bulls fans, they missed what may have been a rare opportunity to build around a transformational player.
Doncic is considered a generational talent and a cornerstone that few franchises anticipate obtaining. Over seven NBA seasons, he has established himself as a five-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, along with once leading the league in scoring. His career averages stand at 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field, underscoring his all-around excellence on the court.
Drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018 before being traded immediately to the Mavericks, Doncic spent six and a half seasons in Dallas. During that time, he lifted the Mavericks to regular playoff appearances and reached the NBA Finals in 2024. However, as the relationship between Doncic and the Mavericks soured due to disagreements over commitment and leadership, the franchise decided to part ways with their star.
Despite the clear value of a player like Doncic, Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison was selective in trade discussions. He reportedly preferred a specific return, targeting the 32-year-old Anthony Davis, young guard Max Christie, and a future first-round draft pick. Although the Mavericks secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft and could add prospect Cooper Flagg next season, Flagg was not part of the initial trade talks.
This proposed return was notably modest for a superstar in his prime, especially compared to what the Bulls were prepared to offer. Chicago reportedly was willing to package top players such as Coby White, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, and Lonzo Ball, along with four first-round picks and three pick swaps. Such a deal would have rebuilt Dallas’s draft assets while providing Chicago with a new centerpiece to spearhead their future ambitions.
The potential trade would have balanced depth and draft capital for both teams, giving the Mavericks long-term resources and granting the Bulls a franchise player around whom to develop their squad. Instead, Harrison declined to explore offers beyond the Lakers deal, closing the door on what some see as a better value exchange and possibly diminishing Dallas’s own return.
Now, the Chicago Bulls face the reality of continuing their search for a franchise player in a competitive market, without the chance to pursue Doncic. Their pursuit of a superstar remains a critical element of the team’s rebuilding strategy, but the loss of this opportunity may delay their return to prominence.
Former NBA Player Weighs In on Luka Doncic Trade Comparisons
Among the debates surrounding Luka Doncic’s trade value, some former NBA players have expressed opinions on what constitutes a fair exchange. Suggestions have been made that a trade involving Doncic for young stars like Anthony Edwards or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be reasonable. These discussions underline the high regard in which Doncic is held and the challenge franchises face in matching his elite talent with suitable assets.