Dallas Mavericks · Franchise era 5 of 5
The Luka era: the Dallas Mavericks story
Franchise era
2018–19—present
The Luka era
Dallas Mavericks
The story in one sentence
Dončić immediately became an offensive engine, leading Dallas to the 2024 Finals before the franchise made another dramatic change of direction.
A new heliocentric superstar
Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving and Jalen Brunson gave the era its recognizable core.
Its final meaning is still being written.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2018–19
What came before
Dallas cycled through short-term casts around Nowitzki while protecting the continuity of his record-setting career.
June 21, 2018
The draft-night swap that linked Luka and Trae forever
Dallas moved up for the prospect it believed could lead a franchise. Atlanta moved down two spots, secured its preferred point guard and added another first.
07Draft-rights swapJune 21, 2018DAL⇄ATLLuka–Trae draft swapAtlanta drafted Luka Dončić third and traded his rights to Dallas for the rights to Trae Young at No. 5 and a protected 2019 first.3 assets · 2 outcomes＋
The original receipt
Dallas Mavericks received
- • Draft rights to Luka Dončić · No. 3
Atlanta Hawks received
- • Draft rights to Trae Young · No. 5
- • Protected 2019 Dallas first
Both teams found an offensive centerpiece, ensuring every playoff run and accolade would reopen a trade debate that cannot be reduced to one simple winner.
Open full trade tree →2022
Western Conference Finals: Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors
2024
Western Conference Finals: Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves
2024
NBA Finals: Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics
Still unfolding
Where the story stands
This chapter remains active, so its final place in franchise history is still being written.
The core