Dallas Mavericks Didn’t Make Much Sense Trading Luka Doncic
The Dallas Mavericks didn’t make much sense trading star point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers this past weekend. Doncic, 25, averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field and 35.4% from the three-point line in the 2024-25 NBA season before being sidelined with a left calf strain in January and traded from Dallas to Los Angeles in February, respectively.
Doncic is now one-half of the Lakers’ star duo, with veteran power forward LeBron James, while power forward Anthony Davis will become one-half of the team’s star duo, along with Kyrie Irving. CBS Sports reported that James, 40, posted a farewell message to Davis, 31, on his Instagram story, “Love you my dog!! Go crazy over there!” and “Woe4L. See you soon.” But what about Doncic’s impact — or lack thereof — in LA? Read on to find out.
Dallas Mavericks’ Saturday Trade
The Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz completed a blockbuster, three-team trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas. The Lakers received Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks received Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick.
The Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Dallas’ 2025 second-round selection, and the Los Angeles Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick. The trade talks were initiated by the Mavericks and began a few days ago, the league’s sources told ESPN. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and Lakers VP of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka have a longstanding relationship dating to when Harrison became Kobe Bryant’s marketing manager in 2003.
Dallas Mavericks Trade With LA
The Dallas Mavericks’ trade with the Los Angeles Lakers could’ve been described as disappointing. After all, Luka Doncic was the face of the franchise in Dallas, while LeBron James’ time in Los Angeles might come to an end soon. James said that his time was very limited before the end of his iconic NBA career last December. Together, Doncic and James can win championships and build a roster with head coach JJ Reddick’s on-court vision.
Rob Pelinka said in a statement obtained by ESPN, “Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come … His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. We will be relentless in building a roster around the on-court vision Coach Redick has for this basketball team, and we have an unwavering commitment to that work to serve our loyal and dedicated fans.”
Dallas Mavericks Aftermath
The aftermath of the Dallas Mavericks didn’t sit well with the fans. According to NBC 5 DFW, Mavs fans reacted to the shocking Luka Doncic trade with a protest outside of the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas. Mavs fans said their goodbyes, with some expressing their frustration with the Mavericks’ latest deal, while Lakers fans celebrated the addition of another star player alongside LeBron James.
The Doncic trade didn’t make much sense for the Mavericks. There’s a chance that the Mavericks felt a doomsday scenario where keeping Doncic was unarguable with a five-year, $345 million contract commitment, but the trade wasn’t the right way to handle the potential uneasiness, except for reports of him threatening to retire from the NBA if he couldn’t find a new team.
The Mavericks might’ve wanted to trade for the Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox. Fox, 27, would’ve been a healthier and more consistent guard, a plus as the Mavericks’ offense could be more dangerous, but it’s too late now. The Kings traded Fox and Jordan McLaughlin to the San Antonio Spurs for Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, three first-round picks, and three second-round picks.
The Chicago Bulls received Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and their own 2025 pick via the Spurs. The Kings received more in return than the Mavericks did, a simple observation and a depressing fact at the same time. The Lakers are expected to save $8 million in cap space over the next two seasons, while the Mavericks’ return to the NBA Finals is murky with the injury bug, inconsistency, and vice versa.
