Few saw it coming, but the NBA landscape has just undergone a seismic shift.
Luka Doncic, one of the league’s biggest superstars, is heading to Los Angeles in a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.
While the trade itself is already making waves, the fallout from the move is proving to be just as dramatic.
Doncic Reportedly Ghosts Mavericks GM
In the aftermath of the stunning trade, reports suggest that Doncic has cut off all communication with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.
According to Harrison, he has attempted to reach out via text and voicemail, but Doncic has yet to respond.
“My guess is he probably doesn’t want to talk to me,” Harrison admitted, per Dallas Morning News’ Brad Townsend.
To add to the intrigue, Harrison also revealed that head coach Jason Kidd was kept in the dark about the trade until it was finalized, making it clear that this deal was orchestrated behind closed doors.
The Details of the Blockbuster Deal
Doncic isn’t heading to Los Angeles alone.
The Mavericks packaged him with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in exchange for Davis, a 2029 first-round pick, and Max Christie.
Additionally, the Utah Jazz were brought into the mix, receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2025 second-round pick from both Dallas and L.A.
The timing of the trade added even more drama.
The news broke shortly after the Lakers secured a win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Davis, notably absent from that game, had remained in Los Angeles for medical evaluations on an abdominal injury.
A Costly Move for Doncic
While Doncic is getting a fresh start in Los Angeles, the trade may have cost him a massive payday.
Had he stayed in Dallas, he would have been eligible for a five-year supermax contract worth around $345 million this summer.
Instead, the most the Lakers can offer him is a five-year, $230 million extension—a staggering $115 million difference.
Before the trade, it was unclear if the Mavericks would have actually put that supermax deal on the table.
There was also speculation that Doncic might have tested free agency in 2026, with several teams eyeing a potential chance to sign the Slovenian superstar.
The Mavericks’ Reasoning: Defense Wins Championships
Despite Doncic’s offensive brilliance, the Mavericks opted to trade him in favor of a stronger defensive presence.
According to Harrison, the decision was based on the belief that defense is the key to winning championships.
“I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance.
We’re built to win now and in the future,” Harrison told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
There were also whispers about concerns over Doncic’s conditioning, with reports suggesting he had reached 270 pounds.
However, the team insisted that defensive struggles—not fitness—were the primary reason for the trade.
New Star Duos Take Shape
With this trade, two new superstar pairings emerge.
Doncic will now team up with LeBron James in L.A., creating a formidable 1-2 punch for the Lakers.
Meanwhile, Davis will join Kyrie Irving in Dallas, forming another dynamic duo.
Additionally, the move reunites Doncic with Lakers head coach JJ Redick, a former teammate from his early years in Dallas.
Doncic was on the court during Redick’s final NBA game in 2021, making their reunion an interesting full-circle moment.
What’s Next?
The dust has yet to settle on this blockbuster deal, and all eyes will be on how these new-look rosters perform.
Will Doncic thrive alongside LeBron in L.A.?
Can Davis help the Mavericks become true contenders?
One thing is certain: the NBA just got a whole lot more interesting.
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