In the world of the NBA, trades can change the entire landscape of the league—reshaping team futures and altering the trajectory of player careers. One of the most impactful trades in recent memory occurred during the 2018 NBA Draft when Luka Dončić, now one of the brightest stars in the league, was traded before even putting on the jersey of the team that selected him.
As unbelievable as it might sound to fans today, Luka Dončić wasn’t initially a Dallas Maverick. He was selected with the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Moments later, he was traded to the Mavericks in exchange for another highly-touted prospect—Trae Young—who had just been drafted fifth overall.
The Details Behind the Trade
The trade wasn’t a simple one-for-one swap. It included not only the rights to Trae Young, but also a valuable draft asset. Here’s a breakdown of how the trade unfolded:
- Dallas Mavericks received: Luka Dončić (3rd overall pick)
- Atlanta Hawks received: Trae Young (5th overall pick) and a 2019 first-round pick (top-five protected)
This draft pick, which was unprotected in 2020, became the 10th overall pick in 2019 and was used by the Hawks to select Cam Reddish, a versatile forward from Duke University.
The Teams’ Motivations
Dallas Mavericks:
The Mavericks had their eyes set on Dončić for a while. The Slovenian prodigy had already established himself in Europe by winning both the EuroLeague MVP and the Final Four MVP with Real Madrid. His court vision, basketball IQ, and maturity were beyond his years.
Dallas saw in Dončić not just a solid rookie, but a potential cornerstone of the franchise—a player who could follow in the footsteps of Dirk Nowitzki, another European great who spent his entire career with the Mavs.
Atlanta Hawks:
While many questions were raised about Atlanta’s decision at the time, the Hawks expressed strong belief in Trae Young’s potential to be a dynamic playmaker and scorer. They also valued the additional first-round pick, seeing it as an opportunity to build more depth and flexibility for a team in rebuilding mode.
How the Trade Has Played Out
Since entering the league, both Luka Dončić and Trae Young have become All-Stars and faces of their respective franchises. Though comparisons between the two are inevitable, they’ve developed very different playing styles and impacts on the game.
Luka Dončić: Dončić quickly became a triple-double machine and one of the most exciting young players in the league. Not only has he carried the Mavericks to multiple playoff appearances, but he has also grown into an MVP-caliber player, drawing comparisons to legends like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
Trae Young: Young has been just as impactful in a different way. Known for his deep shooting range and flashy assists, he led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 and continues to be one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA.
Was the Trade a Win-Win?
With a few years of hindsight now available, sports analysts still debate who “won” the trade. From a statistical and accolades perspective, Luka Dončić seems to have edged ahead. However, Atlanta’s acquisition of both Trae Young and Cam Reddish provided greater depth and upside at the time—and Young has certainly lived up to expectations.
In many ways, this trade exemplifies the unpredictability of the NBA Draft. What initially looked like a risky move for both teams has turned out to benefit each franchise in unique ways.
The Bigger Picture
This trade is now considered one of the most important NBA moves of the past decade. It serves as a reminder that even a few minutes on draft night can reshape the future of not just two franchises—but the entire league. Whether you’re a Luka fan or a Trae loyalist, one thing is clear: both players have solidified themselves as generational talents, and the league is brighter for it.
As their careers continue to unfold, the debate between Luka vs. Trae will remain one of the most fascinating player comparisons in modern basketball history. Only time will tell who will come out on top—but for now, fans of both Dallas and Atlanta can be proud of their stars.