The Dallas Mavericks traded superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers late Saturday night, Feb. 1, in exchange for star center Anthony Davis in a move that has shocked fans, players and executives around the league and the sports world. According to Elias Sports Bureau, it’s the first time that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason.
The 25-year-old Doncic, a 5-time All-Star, will now play alongside LeBron James in one of the league’s biggest markets. The Lakers also got Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the deal.
Anthony Davis, the 31-year-old center is a 10-time All-Star who helped the Lakers win a championship in 2020 goes to the Mavericks along with guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. As part of the three-team deal, the Utah Jazz acquired guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and a pair of second-round picks.
Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison explained the motivation for the deal to the Dallas Morning News, saying, “It’s one of those things where it’s my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost.”
Doncic who averaged 28 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 22 games this season has been dealing with several injuries and hasn’t played since suffering a calf injury on Christmas. He led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last season and was eligible to sign a five-year, $345 million supermax extension this offseason.
Harrison, however, felt the Mavs needed something else to get them over the finish line, “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 (head coach Jason Kidd) and I have been building here from day one,” Harrison said.
The 6 ft. 10 in. Davis has career averages of 24.2 points and 10.7 rebounds but more important to the Mavericks he has been named to five All-Defensive teams and is a three-time NBA blocked shots leader.
Reaction to the blockbuster trade from around the league and around the sports world was quick to take over social media. The Phoenix Suns were still playing Saturday night’s game against the Portland Trailblazers when they learned of the deal.
“It’s crazy, man. I really don’t know what to say about it,” Suns Guard Devin Booker said during post-game media interviews. “Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. The NBA shows you again. Can’t predict. It’s a business. They’re always having a conversation about you. So don’t think you’re safer than you are
“Insane. It’s crazy. Crazy. Damn, would of never thought Luka Doncic would get traded. At his age, midseason, the NBA is a wild place, man. If he can get traded, then anybody is up for grabs, Durant said.
