The Dallas Mavericks season was upside down by Luka Donsic’s trade and the future of their team.
In making the decision to replace Luka Donsic, the Dallas Mavericks are the franchise who chose to shorten the championship window, a unique high-risk move that has not been rewarded this season due to injuries.
The move to buy Donsic shocked the league, with Lakers President Jeannie Bass admitting it was a move she didn’t think could.
The move could be financially expensive for the franchise, in addition to the team’s competitive aspirations being dented by the deal.
Dallas Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont was also criticised for signing off on the decision, with general manager Nico Harrison taking Flak from fans and analysts for high-stakes gambling.
ESPN reporter Tim McMahon says he consulted with high-ranking individuals around the NBA to seek feedback on Luka Donsic’s trade.
And he says that bad trade doesn’t feel like full, but View is also divided into two camps.
Speaking to the Knicks Film School Podcast, MacMahon said: “It’s interesting to have spoken to a lot of people, including the league, GMS, executives, scouts, coaches and assistant coaches. One person from another team doesn’t think this is a good thing for Maverick.
“There are two camps. The majority say, “I don’t care if a child is in butt pain. He’s a bit, but by superstar standards, I don’t think he’s that ridiculous.
“It’s not based on possibilities, but it proves that he has proven who he is.
Luka Doncic averages 28.6 points per game throughout his career, increasing this Lakers’ mark with 27.2 per game.
McMahon explained that the second camp was against the implementation of trade from a Dallas perspective.
Tim McMahon explained that the second perspective from team executives was the decision to limit their options to the Dallas Mavericks’ total secret deal.
He explained: “This is the opinion of a minority, but I have heard this from several people.
“They didn’t, and the process they did prevented them from being in a position to maximize returns.”
Nico Harrison has secretly traded with Lakers GM Rob Perinka, and many felt they should come back more in terms of future draft picks.
McMahon said it’s a little more widely known that if Dallas waited until summer, Dallas was ready to create a “historic war of bidding” and move on from Luka Donsic.
A key part of the deal the Mavericks received was Anthony Davis, who was injured in the team’s debut.
The Mavericks are currently ranked 11th in the Western Conference and are set to miss the playoffs.
The Dallas Mavericks get:
- Anthony Davis
- Max Christie
- 2029 First Round Pick
La Lakers get:
- Luka Donsic
- Maxi adhesive
- Markieff Morris
The Utah Jazz wins:
- Jalen-Hood Schifino
- 2025 Round 2 Pick
- 2025 Round 2 Pick (via Clippers)