ESPN Reveals Potential Luka Doncic, Sacramento Kings Trade

ESPN outlines what the Sacramento Kings would have offered in a potential Luka Doncic trade

Mar 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring against Chicago Bulls during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers agreed to one of the most shocking trades in NBA history over two months ago. The Mavericks sent young superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, along with other pieces, sending both franchises into a frenzy.

The Mavericks reportedly did not talk to any other team about Doncic being on the table, which is absurd considering the outlandish offers they likely would have gotten for their superstar guard.

But, what if other teams did know that Doncic was on the table? ESPN's Bobby Marks answered that question, coming up with the trade package that every other team would have sent in for Doncic.

Mar 29, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles past Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) in the first quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

For the Sacramento Kings, Marks came up with the following package that they would have traded to acquire Luka Doncic.

Kings receive: Luka Doncic

Mavericks receive: Domantas Sabonis, Keon Ellis, Devin Carter, 2028 unprotected first-round pick, 2030 unprotected first-round pick

"Nearly seven years after they passed on him in the draft, Doncic becomes a Sacramento King," Marks wrote. "But while the Doncic and De'Aaron Fox backcourt is enticing -- remember, Fox wasn't traded yet to the Spurs -- there is significant risk with this trade for Sacramento.

"In addition to trading Sabonis, the Kings are faced with the possibility of not only Doncic becoming a free agent in 2026, but also Fox."

Luka Doncic as he puts away the Kings tonight in Sacramento with his final free throw, then as the final horn sounds, waves goodbye to former Kings GM Vlade Divac seated courtside and says "he shoulda' drafted me." pic.twitter.com/6j26cLprxA

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) March 30, 2024

Of course, the Kings missed out on the Doncic sweepstakes, and he instead landed with their division rival. Still, the Kings' front office has not shown much willingness to go all-in on a trade like this one, so even if they knew Doncic was on the block, the chances of them getting involved were very slim.

Still, this trade idea from ESPN's Marks is an interesting one.

Doncic, 26, is averaging 27.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game this season, and through seven years in the NBA, has proven to be a generational talent. It was extraordinary that the Mavericks chose to trade him away, considering how lucky they got to even draft a player of that caliber.

There is a strong chance that Dallas would not even entertain Sacramento's offer, as Domantas Sabonis has not shown much promise as a franchise-building block, but could thrive with the right pieces around him. Sabonis is an All-NBA talent, but nowhere near the level of Anthony Davis, whom the Mavericks actually got in return for Doncic.

The Kings throwing in standout guard Keon Ellis and promising rookie Devin Carter are interesting facets of this trade idea. Ellis is Sacramento's best defender, and the Kings would need him more than ever after acquiring a faulty defender in Doncic.

Of course, if the Kings were sure that Doncic would re-sign with the team and stay long-term, they would give up everything possible in a heartbeat. But the risk of trading for Doncic is there, especially considering, chances are, he would not want to be in Sacramento.

The Mavericks certainly could have gotten a better return than the Lakers gave them if they informed every team that Doncic was on the trade block, but Sacramento's offer would not be at the top of their list.