Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was left stunned by the news that the Dallas Mavericks had traded away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade sent shockwaves throughout the sports world, with Doncic, a five-time All-Star, being sent to the Lakers along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved in the trade, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and a future second-round pick.
Doncic had been out of the Mavericks’ lineup since Christmas due to a strained left calf, and the trade means he will no longer be eligible to sign a five-year supermax contract extension worth $345 million. He is still eligible for a lucrative extension with the Lakers, with the max being $230 million.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison explained that the team decided to trade Doncic to avoid a potentially tumultuous summer, saying “There’s other teams that were loading up… He was going to be able to make his own decision at some point of whether he wants to be here or not, whether we want to supermax him or not, or whether he wants to opt out.”
Doncic, 25, has been one of the top players in the league since being acquired by the Mavericks in 2018, averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. He finished third in NBA MVP voting last year.