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Davis signs with Mavericks, acknowledges significance of trade that moved Doncic to Lakers

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Davis signs with Mavericks, acknowledges significance of trade that moved Doncic to Lakers

Anthony Davis forfeited a substantial $6 million bonus as part of the groundbreaking trade that saw him join the Dallas Mavericks while Luka Doncic made his way to the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a rare exchange between two superstars.

This decision could be seen as a small gesture from the 10-time All-Star to show he acknowledges the weight of a trade that has stirred discontent among his new team’s supporters.

Much of the displeasure has been aimed at general manager Nico Harrison, but Davis could find himself viewed unfavorably by Mavericks fans as the player who was brought in at the cost of their treasured Doncic, regardless of what he achieves as part of the organization.

“Losing a monumental piece like Luka. It’s a lot, right?” Davis remarked regarding Doncic, who has also received five All-NBA first-team honors. “So I’m just trying to do my part and help Nico and the organization on how we can continuously get better. That’s just always the right thing to do.”

Davis addressed the media on Tuesday during shootaround in Philadelphia, a few hours prior to the Mavericks’ narrow 118-116 loss to the 76ers. He had already been ruled out of the game due to an abdominal injury that plagued him towards the end of his stint with the Lakers.

Unknown to him at the time, the injury sustained a week prior against the 76ers marked the conclusion of his time with Los Angeles. Similarly, Doncic could not have anticipated that his last game with the Mavericks would take place on Christmas when he suffered a calf strain.

As Davis spoke to reporters on the East Coast, Doncic was simultaneously addressing a crowded press gathering on the West Coast, with both expressing their disbelief regarding one of the most significant trades in NBA history.

“I was actually at home, about to watch a movie with my wife and got the phone call,” Davis recounted. “I had no idea. I just sent the team a text about congratulations for beating the Knicks, big win, and looking forward to Tuesday’s game against the Clippers. And I found out an hour later I was no longer with the team.”

Doncic observed as his new squad dismantled the Clippers 122-97 from the bench. His return from the calf injury is anticipated in the near future.

On the other hand, Davis may return to the court sooner, stating he could play as early as Thursday in Boston or perhaps Saturday against Houston when the Mavericks have their first home game since the trade.

Davis does find some familiarity within the Mavericks’ organization. Dallas coach Jason Kidd was an assistant when Davis collaborated with LeBron James to secure the Lakers’ 17th championship in the Florida “bubble” back in 2020.

Furthermore, Davis has known Harrison since high school. He eventually signed with Nike, where Harrison was employed for two decades before being contracted by the Mavericks in 2021.

“Nico believes in me and what I can add to this team,” Davis said. “We are both extremely excited about what we can do, and I think we have a great opportunity to win a championship.”

The most crucial partnership for Davis will be with Kyrie Irving, who joined Dallas in a trade from Brooklyn to complement Doncic. Their collaboration resulted in the Mavericks’ first trip to the NBA Finals in 13 years last season, where they were defeated by Boston in five games.

Now, with Davis on board, the Mavericks have a new lineup of co-stars. He revealed that he discussed the prospect of teaming up with Irving six years ago, around the time he left New Orleans for the Lakers, while Irving was transitioning to the Nets.

Presently united, both are adjusting to the unexpected trade that brought them together. Irving, who has refrained from speaking to the media since the deal, humorously advised reporters to “take it easy” on Davis during his initial press conference.

“Had no idea that it was happening,” Davis said about the trade. “But now I’m kind of over it, and just kind of getting ready to play with Dallas.”

Davis is fully aware of the significance of the player he is stepping in for.