3-for-1 Blockbuster That Almost Happened: Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic Could Have Joined Forces

In the 2018 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets came tantalizingly close to pulling off a deal that could have changed the league forever. According to recent reports by NBA insider Mike Singer, the Nuggets attempted to acquire the Sacramento Kings’ No. 2 overall pick with the intention of selecting Luka Doncic. The proposed package? Gary Harris and two first-round picks.

However, the Kings turned down the offer. Instead of selecting Doncic, Sacramento used their pick on Marvin Bagley III—a move that has since gone down as one of the most questionable draft decisions in modern NBA history. While Doncic has gone on to become one of the league’s brightest superstars, Bagley has struggled to make an impact, playing for three different teams in six years and currently averaging just 3.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per game with the Washington Wizards.

Fans of the other 28 NBA teams might owe Sacramento a debt of gratitude. If the Kings had accepted Denver’s offer, the thought of Doncic teaming up with Jokic—a two-time MVP and arguably the best center in the league—could have spelled the end of competitive balance in the NBA.

A Duo That Never Was

Both Jokic and Doncic hail from Europe, share a similar physique, and boast a basketball IQ that ranks among the best in NBA history. Their chemistry off the court is well-documented; the two are close friends and are often seen laughing and bonding whenever they cross paths during games. It’s easy to imagine that their connection would have translated to incredible on-court synergy.

Had this pairing materialized, Denver might have formed one of the most potent offensive duos in NBA history. Jokic’s ability to dominate from the post while serving as a primary playmaker, combined with Doncic’s scoring and court vision, would have been unstoppable. The Nuggets, who are already perennial contenders, might have been elevated to a dynasty.

But as fate would have it, Doncic ended up in Dallas, where he has carved out his own legacy. And while some might lament the missed opportunity, perhaps the separation of these two superstars has been for the betterment of the league’s competitive landscape.

Jokic’s MVP-Caliber Season

As it stands, Jokic is having a career year, solidifying his case as the league’s best player. Through the early stages of this season, Jokic is averaging a jaw-dropping 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game—leading the league in both rebounds and assists. He’s also shooting an efficient 56.4% from the field while hitting 2.2 three-pointers per game.

These numbers aren’t just MVP-worthy—they’re historic. Jokic is currently on track to claim his fourth MVP award, which would place him among an elite group of players in NBA history.

Despite his dominance, the Nuggets have struggled in his absence. Jokic recently took time off to be with his wife, Natalija, who is expecting their second child. Without him, Denver dropped consecutive games to the injury-depleted Pelicans and the shorthanded Grizzlies, leaving them with a 7-5 record and sixth place in the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets’ reliance on Jokic was painfully evident in those losses.

Dallas’ Struggles and Klay Thompson’s Decline

Meanwhile, Doncic’s Mavericks are also facing challenges. Despite being Western Conference champions just last season, Dallas is off to a disappointing 7-7 start, sitting in 10th place in the standings. Doncic himself is averaging 28.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, but the team’s overall performance has drawn heavy criticism.

One of the biggest disappointments for the Mavericks has been Klay Thompson, who joined the team this offseason on a three-year, $50 million deal after leaving Golden State. Many expected Thompson to be a key piece in Dallas’ quest for another championship, but his performance has been far from inspiring.

Thompson is averaging just 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting a career-low 39.7% from the field. His struggles were epitomized in a recent game against the Thunder, where he went 1-for-11 from the field and 1-for-8 from three. Fans and analysts alike are now questioning whether Thompson should be moved to a bench role, similar to his stint with the Warriors last season.

Interestingly, Golden State appears to have thrived without him. The Warriors are currently dominating the Western Conference with a 10-2 record, rekindling memories of their championship runs in the past.

What Could Have Been

While it’s intriguing to imagine a world where Doncic and Jokic share the court, their individual paths have arguably been better for the league as a whole. Their respective teams continue to face unique challenges, but their brilliance keeps them at the center of the NBA narrative.

As the season unfolds, it remains clear that the Kings’ decision in 2018 had ripple effects across the league. And while Sacramento’s “generosity” spared the NBA from a potentially unstoppable superteam, one can’t help but wonder what might have been.