Only a select few persons were aware of the trade because it was put together in secret. Luka Doncic was unaware. Anthony Davis was unaware. Their coaches were unaware. Their teammates were unaware.
Then an incredible blockbuster occurred. In a move that shocked the majority of the league, Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals the previous season, Davis won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, and now they are swapping teams.
In a letter to Mavs supporters, Doncic stated, “I thought I’d spend my career here, and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship.” I could never have imagined the amount of love and support I have received from all of you.
In a three-team transaction, the Mavericks, the current Western Conference champions, sent Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Davis. After the teams received the necessary league approval, the transaction was made public on Sunday morning.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison were very quiet during the roughly month-long trade negotiations.
What was the initial response of Mavs coach Jason Kidd? Kidd expressed shock, but he went on to say that he thinks it’s the best course of action for his club moving forward.
Max Christie went to Dallas, while Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris both went to the Lakers. In addition, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick from the Lakers and Mavs.
According to Pelinka, sports are about life-changing experiences. With a franchise that consistently ushers in new periods of greatness, we are inspired by these moments that Lakers fans are familiar with, expect, and adore. This franchise will be led by Luka, a unique young worldwide superstar, for many years to come. The team will be motivated by his killer instincts and dedication to winning titles.
Shortly after the Lakers’ victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the trade announcement was announced. Due to an abdominal issue that required evaluation, Davis was in Los Angeles and did not play for the Lakers.
Since leaving a game with a strained left calf around Christmas, Doncic has not played for Dallas. Given that he is now unable to sign a five-year supermax contract extension this summer, which could have been worth approximately $345 million, Doncic may pay a heavy price for the move.
Whether the Mavs would have made such a huge offer was never made known. After the 2025–26 season, Doncic would have had the option to leave as a free agent, and rival teams hoping to sign the Slovenian star would have undoubtedly prepared for such situations.
Harrison stated on Sunday that other clubs were piling up. At some time, he would be able to decide for himself whether he wanted to stay or not, whether we wanted to supermax him, or whether he wanted to opt out. I believe we got out in front of what could have been a turbulent summer after taking all of that into account.
Doncic is still available for an extension this summer, and the Lakers may offer him a five-year contract worth roughly $230 million, which is $115 million less than the supermax.
This was definitely not something Luka deserved. Luka’s father, Sasa Doncic, stated on Slovenian television on Sunday that he truly respected Dallas.
In the agreement, Davis would form a new star combo with Kyrie Irving in Dallas, while Doncic and LeBron James would become the new 1-2 punch in Los Angeles. Additionally, it brings Doncic and Lakers coach JJ Redick back together.
On May 11, 2021, Redick left a game for the last time, and Doncic was among the Mavericks players on the floor.
In the end, the Mavericks’ choice was mostly determined by Davis’ performance on defense.
Harrison stated, “We’re bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league because we believe defense wins championships.” He went on to say that Davis is a special unicorn in the NBA because of his ability to be excellent at both ends.
Harrison remarked, “We feel like we’re built to win both now and in the future.”
As the trade started to take shape late Saturday night, there was only one NBA game left, Phoenix vs. Portland. Devin Booker, a guard for the Suns, said he and his teammates were informed of the deal by someone in the fans.
“Luka,” they said. I asked, “Luka Garza?” Booker mentioned a center in Minnesota.
Booker had no intention of being humorous. He simply believed what many others likely believed, which was that the Mavs would never trade Doncic.
Man, it’s insane. Booker remarked, “I’m not sure what to say about it.” Everyone has asserted that Luka is an untouchable and untradeable individual. Once more, the NBA shows you. Can t predict. It’s a company. They’re talking about you all the time. Don’t believe that you are safer than you actually are.
Kevin Durant, a fellow Suns player, was added: Crazy. It’s insane. Insane. Oh no, I never imagined Luka Doncic would be traded. The NBA is crazy at his age, guy, especially in the middle of the season. Everyone is up for grabs if he can be traded.
The Lakers are idle until Tuesday night when they face the Los Angeles Clippers, while Dallas played at Cleveland on Sunday. There is no set timeline for Doncic or Davis’ injury recovery, so it’s unclear when they could play for their new teams.
Doncic’s average of 28.6 points ranks third in NBA history among players with at least 400 games, behind only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan, both of whom had averages of 30.1.
With an average of 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game, he had one of the best seasons in league history and finished third in the MVP voting. On January 26, 2024, Doncic, who turns 26 later this month and calls James an idol, tied the fourth-highest scoring total in NBA history with a 73-point performance against Atlanta. Kobe Bryant (81) and Chamberlain (78) were the only players with higher scores.
Next month, Davis, who was selected to the All-Star team for the tenth time in his career, will turn 32. He is a five-time All-NBA pick, a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary squad, and he assisted the Lakers in winning the 2020 NBA championship in the bubble.
This season, Doncic averages 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. Davis averages 11.9 rebounds and 25.7 points per game.
Harrison is aware of the danger and the ire of some Mavs supporters; on Sunday, some demonstrated outside the team’s Dallas arena. For a man in his 30s with a difficult injury history, he has dealt away a young superstar who might easily be among the best players in the league for the next ten years.
“I realize how big it is,” Harrison remarked. For me, doing nothing is the simplest thing to do, and I would get praise for it from everyone. However, time will tell if I’m correct, and we firmly believe in it.