A pivotal moment in NBA history occurred during the 2020 draft night when the Dallas Mavericks attempted to trade for Tyrese Haliburton, offering Jalen Brunson and two picks to the Sacramento Kings. Had the deal been accepted, it would have paired Haliburton with Luka Doncic, potentially creating one of the league's most dynamic backcourts. Instead, the Kings rejected the offer, which now looms large over the Mavs' trajectory.

Fast forward to 2025, Haliburton is now leading the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals, showcasing his elite passing and clutch shooting skills, while Brunson has transformed into an All-NBA player with the Knicks. The Mavs, burdened by missed opportunities, traded Doncic to the Lakers amid rising tensions and conditioning concerns. This what-if scenario highlights how one trade can define franchises.