Luka Doncic, who played a pivotal role in leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season, will be swapping teams with Anthony Davis, a champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. This monumental trade will see Doncic join the Lakers while Davis heads to Dallas, according to a source familiar with the agreement, who spoke on the condition of anonymity before the official announcement by the teams pending league approval.
In addition to Doncic, players Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris will also transition to the Lakers, while the Mavericks will receive Davis and Max Christie in return. The Utah Jazz will also be partaking in this significant deal, with reports indicating that Jalen Hood-Schifino and two draft picks will be sent to the Jazz as part of the transaction.
The news of the trade emerged shortly after the Lakers secured a victory over New York at Madison Square Garden, although Davis was unable to participate in that game due to an abdominal injury he was having evaluated in Los Angeles. Doncic has not played for the Mavericks since he suffered a left calf strain on Christmas Day.
Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison shared his thoughts on the move, emphasizing the importance of defense in securing championships. He expressed confidence that acquiring an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a strong defensive mindset enhances their chances of success in both the present and future.
Currently, this trade positions Doncic alongside LeBron James, forming a new superstar duo in Los Angeles. Conversely, Davis will team up with Kyrie Irving in Dallas, bringing a fresh dynamic to both teams. This deal also reunites Doncic with his former teammate and current Lakers coach JJ Redick.
The announcement of the trade caught the attention of players in the NBA, including Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, who recounted how a fan informed him and his teammates about the trade during a game against Portland. Perplexed, he initially joked about whether the name mentioned was Luka Garza instead.
Booker expressed disbelief at the trade, stating that many believed Doncic to be untouchable in the league. He underscored the unpredictable nature of the NBA, where deals can happen at any moment, reinforcing that players should never assume stability in their careers.
Kevin Durant, another prominent player in the league, echoed similar sentiments, expressing astonishment over the trade, especially considering Doncic’s age and the timing midseason. He insinuated that if a player like Doncic can be traded, then no player is truly off the market.
The impact of this trade was evident across social media, with reactions pouring in from various players. Cleveland center Tristan Thompson commented that there must be a deeper story behind Doncic’s exit from Dallas, while Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed similar shock on X. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson even questioned the authenticity of the news, playfully suggesting it might be an early April Fools’ joke.
With the Mavericks set to face Cleveland and the Lakers off until their next game against the Clippers, it’s unclear when Doncic and Davis will take the court for their new teams. The trade’s approval from the NBA is still anticipated, and both players are contending with their own injuries with no clear recovery timelines announced.
Among those with a minimum of 400 games played, Doncic boasts an impressive scoring average of 28.6 points, ranking third in NBA history, just behind legends Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. He is known for his dynamic and, at times, unstoppable play style, having earned third place in MVP voting last season after averaging nearly 34 points per game.
Davis, who is set to turn 32 soon and is a 10-time All-Star, celebrates his achievements as a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and was instrumental in the Lakers’ 2020 championship win. Both players are recognized as five-time All-NBA selections and have made significant contributions to their respective teams.
Moreover, this trade could have considerable financial implications for Doncic, who had the opportunity to sign a supermax contract this summer. His potential earnings could have reached $345 million over five years, but due to this trade, he might only be in a position to secure a maximum of $230 million for a five-year deal in the upcoming negotiations.
So far this season, Doncic averages 28.1 points, while Davis is averaging 25.7 points alongside impressive rebounding statistics. This trade not only reshapes team rosters but could also significantly alter the landscape of the NBA moving forward.
