For years, fans have questioned whether fellow Europeans Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic will ever collaborate in the NBA. Unfortunately for them, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon shot down such rumors during an episode of ‘The Hoop Collective podcast. He highlighted the asset and salary cap requirements that the Mavs and Nuggets must follow, making any trade practically impossible.

“Neither one; we may discuss the outcome anyway. I don’t see any of them occurring. The Nuggets lack the assets to execute a blockbuster trade, especially one as historic as acquiring Luka.”

Joe Mazzulla explains how the Celtics are one of the world’s top organizations. Joe Mazzulla explains why the Celtics are one of the best organisations in the world.Joe Mazzulla explains why the Celtics are one of the best organizations in the world.”And the opposite is true for Dallas. It will always be a thing, perhaps later in their careers… For a variety of factors, I believe the possibility is exceedingly minimal.

“Having said that, they’re incredibly good friends. When the Nuggets arrive, Joker is already at Luka’s house for supper. And so versa when the Mavericks visit Denver.

Jokic and Doncic have long been touted as potential future teammates, since the two have developed a close bond. Dirk Nowitzki recently expressed his desire to see them as Mavs teammates.

The two players, who are from Serbia and Slovenia, come from comparable cultures and have discovered some common ground and formed a strong bond with one other over time.

However, as MacMahon pointed out, a deal of that type is quite implausible for the moment. And neither player is nearing the end of their deal, so they cannot partner up in free agency. Fans will have to wait several years to witness Jokic and Doncic on the same squad.

Of course, no one can say for certain, since the NBA has seen its fair share of unexpected moves. However, given the salary cap regulations and the competitive spirit of both teams, neither the Nuggets nor the Mavericks will be working with a conference opponent anytime soon.

Can Luka Doncic Be MVP Next Season?Nikola Jokic is the reigning MVP, having won his third award last season. Luka Doncic finished third in MVP voting, trailing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Many people expected Doncic to make a breakthrough and earn his first MVP award in recent seasons.

However, the Mavericks’ subpar regular season record frequently works against Luka, since he has never played on a Mavericks team that finished higher than fourth place throughout his tenure with the franchise.

However, that could change this season, as Doncic now has the strongest team of his career. With Kyrie Irving firmly entrenched as his co-star, the Dallas Mavericks recently added Klay Thompson in free agency. Despite his injury problems, Thompson still offers them with strong shooting and adequate defense.

If the Mavericks can maintain their high level of play from this year’s Finals run, they might achieve a top-three seed in the Western Conference, paving the door for Doncic to win his first MVP award since joining the league.