Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison had reportedly made up his mind to trade Luka Doncic by the summer at the latest, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Stein wrote on Substack that league sources indicated Dallas’ front office, particularly Harrison, no longer wanted the team to revolve around Doncic. The decision led to one of the most shocking trades in NBA history on February 2, when the Mavericks sent their franchise player to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The blockbuster deal saw Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris head to Los Angeles. In return, Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also joined the trade, receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round selections.
Doncic, a perennial MVP contender, was reportedly blindsided by the move. Former NBA player Chandler Parsons revealed that Doncic had just purchased a $15 million home in Dallas a week before the trade. According to Parsons, the Slovenian star was not informed about the deal until it was finalized.
Harrison defended the decision, stating that Dallas prioritized defense and needed a shift in team structure. The move, however, was met with heavy criticism, as it marked the first time two reigning All-NBA players were swapped midseason.
Since joining Los Angeles, Doncic has averaged 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. The Lakers have gone 3-2 with him in the lineup and currently hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 35-21 record.
Before the trade, Doncic had been putting up 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game while playing nearly 36 minutes a night for Dallas.
As the regular season continues, both teams will be closely watched to see how this blockbuster trade impacts their playoff hopes. The Mavericks, now built around a more defensive-minded core, will look to justify moving on from their franchise cornerstone, while the Lakers hope Doncic can be the key to another championship run.
