The Dallas Mavericks acquired Luka Dončić through a strategic draft-day trade with the Atlanta Hawks during the 2018 NBA Draft.
The 2018 NBA Draft Day Trade
On June 21, 2018, Luka Dončić was initially selected with the third overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks. However, immediately following this selection, the Hawks traded Dončić's draft rights to the Dallas Mavericks.
This pivotal trade involved the exchange of draft rights for two highly touted prospects and a future draft pick, significantly shaping the future of both franchises.
Key Elements of the Trade
The transaction that brought Dončić to Dallas was a straightforward yet impactful swap:
- Dallas Mavericks received: The draft rights to Luka Dončić.
- Atlanta Hawks received:
- The draft rights to Trae Young, who was selected with the fifth overall pick by the Mavericks.
- A protected future first-round pick in 2019.
This trade is widely recognized as a landmark moment for the Mavericks, as Dončić quickly emerged as a cornerstone player and a multi-time All-NBA selection.
Trade Summary
For clarity, here's a breakdown of the assets exchanged:
| Team | Assets Acquired | Assets Traded Away |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | Draft Rights to Luka Dončić (3rd pick) | Draft Rights to Trae Young (5th pick), Protected 2019 1st-Round Pick |
| Atlanta Hawks | Draft Rights to Trae Young (5th pick), Protected 2019 1st-Round Pick | Draft Rights to Luka Dončić (3rd pick) |
This strategic move allowed the Mavericks to secure Dončić, who went on to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 2018–2019 season.
