Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Luka Doncic’s weight was apparently becoming an issue for the Dallas Mavericks. On Saturday night, the Mavs stunned the NBA World when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade.
According to initial reports, Mavs GM Nico Harrison did not think it was a good idea to give Doncic a $345 million supermax extension.
Via Marc Stein/X
“The Mavericks and Luka Doncic, until tonight, were heading toward a five-year contract extension in July worth a record $345 million.”
“Dallas GM Nico Harrison made the call to abruptly change the direction of the franchise with one of the most stunning trades in league history.”
ESPN’s Tim Macmahon is now reporting that the Mavs were frustrated with Doncic’s diet and conditioning issues, which they believe have contributed to his injuries.
“Luka Doncic’s constant conditioning issues and concerns, his weight ballooned to the high 260s this season, they believe that is directly attributable to the injury issues that he’s had”
MacMahon went on to report that the Mavs “bet against” Doncic and believe he will break down.
Via ESPN
The Mavericks’ bet against Doncic due to what sources told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon were concerns over his conditioning and the potential supermax contract he’d be eligible to sign this summer is the biggest takeaway from as big of a trade as the NBA has seen in quite some time. Doncic has been limited to 22 games this season and hasn’t played more than 70 in a season since his rookie year.