The Dallas Mavericks made a shocking trade by sending away perennial MVP candidate Luka Don
ić to the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade came as a surprise to fans and the NBA community, as there were no rumors of Don
ić being moved. The 25-year-old Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and has been a franchise cornerstone for the Mavericks.
According to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, the team’s defense was a major concern, and trading for Anthony Davis will help improve that area. Harrison also cited the need for security, as Don
ić’s $207 million extension is set to expire this year and he was due for a supermax contract worth over $340 million. Additionally, Don
ić would have been able to opt out of any other deals soon.
The trade also seemed to be influenced by speculation that the Mavericks were unhappy with Don
ić’s conditioning. The Lakers received Don
ić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks took on Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks to settle the trade.
Don
ić is a perennial MVP candidate, averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in his career. He has led the NBA in points per game and has been in the MVP conversation every year of his young career. Davis, on the other hand, finished fourth in the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year voting last year and is averaging over 25 points and 12 rebounds this season.
