Subscribe
Follow Us
The Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA world by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade even surprised Doncic. Mavs general manager Nico Harrison made an eye-opening admission while speaking to reporters on Sunday, via Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News.
“There's some unique things about his contract that we had to pay attention to,” Harrison said in reference to Doncic's super-max extension that he would have been eligible for during the offseason.
It is worth noting that Doncic reportedly did not ask for a trade. Harrison even explained that Luka did not give the team any indications about wanting a trade. Harrison has since attempted to contact Doncic, but the two have not talked about the trade as of this story's writing.
It goes without saying, but trading a superstar in the NBA is attention-catching. But it is different when the star asks for a trade or is on the verge of entering free agency. Another reason may be for rebuilding purposes.
Luka Doncic could have signed a super-max extension this offseason, however. Luka apparently did not request a trade and the Mavs are not rebuilding, as they reached the NBA Finals last season.
In other words, the Mavericks' decision is unquestionably shocking. Doncic is also only 25 years old, and he is establishing himself as one of the best players in the entire NBA.
The Mavs did acquire Anthony Davis as part of the deal. Davis is an MVP candidate and he will prove to be a pivotal acquisition. Davis is 31 years old, however.
Nevertheless, Davis and Kyrie Irving could end up becoming a quality duo in Dallas. The Mavs may still be able to compete. This move doesn't necessarily mean they are giving up on the season.
One glance on X, formerly Twitter, will tell you that Harrison has lost the trust of the Mavs' fanbase following this trade, though. He can potentially earn it back if Davis leads the Mavericks to a championship. Right now, though, Harrison, who is often regarded as a terrific general manager, is receiving criticism from Mavs fans.
He is surely hopeful that Davis and Irving can help the Mavericks make a deep postseason run.
