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We’re beginning to learn more about the stunning Mavs-Lakers trade. On Saturday night, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Mavs and the Lakers had worked a trade featuring Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell @ShamsCharania. Three-team deal that includes Utah. pic.twitter.com/joU6bXqnBJ
— ESPN (@espn) February 2, 2025
According to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavs were hesitant to pay Doncic $345 million in his next contract.
“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.”
Nico Harrison: “We really feel like we got ahead of what was going to be a tumultuous summer, him being eligible for the supermax and also a year away from him being able to opt out of any contract. And so we really felt like we got out in front of that. We know teams, they’ve… https://t.co/MImEhuKP73
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 2, 2025
Harrison told reporters he’s molding the Mavericks towards a more defensive team than an offensive one.
“We really feel that defense wins championships, and we think the players that we’re bringing in add to the culture, which is important to what J-Kidd and I have been building here from day one,” Harrison said.
“And then obviously, when you get an all NBA player who’s also a first team All-Defensive player, we think that’s gonna help us where we need it the most, on the defensive end.”
Fans and media are still stunned by Harrison’s reasoning for the trade.
I have been critical of Luka's defense and impact because heavy is the crown. IT'S LUKA DONCIC. WHAT ARE YOU DOING.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) February 2, 2025