Project 2028: The motivation behind a Luka Doncic return to Dallas

On June 17, 2024, the Mavericks walked off the floor in Boston disappointed, but hopeful for the future. They had just made the NBA Finals for the first time since their fateful win in 2011, and although it was sad to see them lose, everything pointed to them being back sooner rather than later. They retooled that summer, got hot in late November, and suited up to play the Timberwolves that Christmas. Luka Doncic had battled some injuries that fall, but he was healthy on Christmas Day. Until he