The Dallas Mavericks (26-24) forced stars everywhere to reconsider how secure they really are in their current place of employment, after trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers (28-19) over the weekend. They incurred copious condemnation for the move, with many fans questioning general manager Nico Harrison's thought process. The franchise is moving forward with purpose, however.

While there are obvious risks, which have and will continue to be expounded, the Mavs believe Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving can comprise a championship core in the next two to three years. They are looking to add another premium talent, though. Dallas is reportedly interested in pursuing Kevin Durant, either before Thursday's NBA trade deadline or, more realistically, in the offseason. Harrison might also re-cast his net in LA.

“Whether it’s Durant (now or later), or perhaps even the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James in the summer if he were to decline his player option for next season, the 52-year-old Harrison appears to be targeting big-time stars with whom he’s very familiar from his past life as a top Nike executive,” The Athletic's Sam Amick, David Aldridge and Anthony Slater write. “The goal, of course, is to win a championship as soon as possible.”

LeBron James to Mavericks might not be as crazy as you think

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James is loyal to the Lakers, especially since they drafted his son, Bronny James, in the 2024 NBA Draft. But he also knows the organization is already shaping its future. Luka Doncic's arrival presumably ensures that Los Angeles will have a household name leading the way for the next several years, which means James might not feel so obligated to help the team transition into its next phase.

The four-time NBA Finals MVP is close friends with Anthony Davis, knows Kyrie Irving quite well from their Cleveland Cavaliers days and has a relationship with Nico Harrison. If James decides to end his run with the Lakers, the Mavericks are a logical destination.

Dallas' vision may still bother fans, as one does not usually replace offensive juggernauts who just reached the Finals at age 25, but its intense championship aspirations show that management at least has a plan. Whether or not it succeeds could hinge on the Mavs' next big move, assuming there is one.