Luka Doncic Making Demands Of Mavericks Front Office?

Luka Doncic just keeps getting better, but the Dallas Mavericks seem to be treading water a bit in the Western Conference. Do the Mavs have enough around Doncic to be a serious title contender? It appears that Luka is questioning that. 

ESPN's Tim MacMahon has been doing some detective work around the Mavs, and has this to offer:

Sources said Doncic, who hasn't shown a desire to be involved in personnel matters in the past, has strongly indicated he wants the Mavs to upgrade before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

In other words, Luka is putting pressure on the front office, is what MacMahon is hearing. 

But Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has shot back with a vociferous denial, and, give him credit, MacMahon was the first to tell us about it:

Mark Cuban denies that Luka Doncic has indicated he wants the roster to be upgraded before the trade deadline.

Cuban: “Tim MacMahon got it dead wrong. Luka has never suggested, asked, demanded or discussed changes to the roster.” https://t.co/CyUDYiiFFJ

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 18, 2023

“Tim MacMahon got it dead wrong," insisted Cuban. "Luka has never suggested, asked, demanded or discussed changes to the roster.

“Luka and (GM) Nico (Harrison) have a great relationship. They talk almost daily. Luka knows exactly what we have going on and is very supportive.” 

What are the Mavs to do? Doncic is clearly ready to win now, but the team has to do what's best for this season and the years to come. 

"It's a really tough spot," a rival scout told MacMahon. "And it's the pressure great players place on the organization. You want to be good, but the balance of patience and competitiveness is a really hard line to walk."

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports