The teams now forever intertwined by last season’s shocking trade are set to match up four times next season, beginning with an NBA Cup matchup in Los Angeles on Nov. 28. However, Dallas fans will have to wait until Jan. 24 to again welcome Doncic back to Texas when the teams face off for the second time.

Back in 2019, it certainly appeared as though the Mavericks had thrust themselves onto a path that would eventually lead to rookie star Luka Doncic landing in the NBA Finals with Latvian big man Kristaps Porzingis.