Luka Doncic is traded to the Lakers while Anthony Davis joins the Mavericks in a major deal

A significant trade in the NBA has caught the attention of basketball fans everywhere, as two of the league’s biggest stars, Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, are set to swap teams in a stunning three-team deal. The trade, which was conducted discreetly, left even the players, coaches, and teammates in the dark until its announcement. Doncic, who recently led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, and Davis, who helped the Los Angeles Lakers claim a championship in 2020, are now bound for new beginnings in an unexpected move that shocked many within the league.

In his farewell message to the Mavericks’ supporters, Doncic expressed his heartfelt gratitude: “I thought I’d spend my career here, and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of.” The trade, confirmed on Sunday morning, involved the Mavericks exchanging Doncic for Davis, with additional players switching teams as well — Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris are heading to Los Angeles, while Max Christie joins Dallas. The Utah Jazz also participated in the deal, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and a second-round draft pick.

The trade discussions, which unfolded over the course of a month, were tightly controlled by Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd initially reacted with shock but later acknowledged that the trade could benefit the team in the long run. Pelinka also commented on the monumental nature of the exchange, stating, “Sports are about transformative moments… Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come.”

This blockbuster deal was made public shortly after the Lakers’ recent victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Davis was absent from the game due to an abdominal injury he was assessing, whereas Doncic has not played for the Mavericks since a December match, when he left with a calf strain. The trade presents potential repercussions for Doncic, especially as he becomes ineligible for a five-year supermax contract extension this summer, which could have been valued at approximately $345 million.

The Mavericks faced a tough decision regarding whether to offer Doncic that lucrative deal. With other teams preparing to interact with this possibility, Harrison remarked on the importance of being proactive, emphasizing the necessity to avoid a turbulent summer concerning Doncic’s future with the franchise.

Doncic is still qualified for an extension this coming summer, but with the maximum the Lakers can offer being five years at about $230 million, he would be missing out on a considerable potential increase compared to what he could have received through a supermax contract. Luka’s father, Sasa Doncic, shared his disappointment regarding the trade on Slovenian television, confirming that his son respected the Dallas community.

The exchange brings Doncic into partnership with LeBron James as the new potent duo at the Lakers, while Davis is anticipated to form an exciting new alliance with Kyrie Irving in Dallas. Additionally, Doncic will reunite with JJ Redick, his former teammate and now Lakers coach, who played his last game on May 11, 2021, while Doncic was on the court.

For the Mavericks, the trade’s rationale primarily hinged on securing Davis’s defensive capabilities. Harrison conveyed that they believe defense is crucial for winning championships, stating, “We’re bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league.” He labeled Davis a “unique unicorn” due to his exceptional skills on both sides of the court.

As discussions of the trade circulated, Suns player Devin Booker commented on hearing updates about Doncic’s surprising movement, reflecting the general sentiment of disbelief across the league. Teammate Kevin Durant echoed these feelings, noting the unpredictable nature of trades within the NBA, where even an athlete deemed untouchable can be moved.

While the Mavericks and the Lakers face upcoming games, it remains uncertain when Doncic and Davis will suit up for their new teams, especially given their respective injury statuses. Doncic, known for his impressive scoring abilities, has one of the highest scoring averages in NBA history and was a strong MVP contender last season. Meanwhile, Davis, who is also a notable figure in the league, carries a robust career and legacy as a top-tier player.

With the trade igniting protests among some disgruntled Mavericks fans, Harrison acknowledged the risks and potential backlash from sacrificing a burgeoning superstar for an aging player with injury issues. Emphasizing the weight of his decision, he noted, “The easiest thing for me to do is do nothing… But we really believe in it and time will tell if I’m right.”