Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris are headed to the Lakers, while Anthony Davis and Max Christie are going to the Dallas Mavericks in a trade so far-fetched and unexpected that fans initially thought that the credible news reporter Shams Charania, was hacked.
As surreal as it sounds, Dončić will be teaming up with LeBron James to create one of the most talented duos ever seen in the history of the National Basketball Association.
Dončić has amassed a plethora of accolades, including five All-Star selections and five All-NBA First Team Awards. He has averaged 28.6 points during his career, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan.
Adding to the impressiveness of his credentials, he is only 25 years old, leaving many fans wondering why the Mavericks traded a franchise player of this caliber.
The reasons for trading Dončić were reportedly due to conditioning issues and a lack of discipline when it came to his diet.Concerns have been expressed over the player’s weight gain, as it continued to rise over the course of this season.
Dončić’s health has also been a concern this season, playing in just 22 out of 49 games.
However, the 6-foot-6 Slovenian’s talent is undeniable, being too enticing for Lakers general manager Robert Pelinka to pass on.
With that said, Dončić may be the best player in this deal, but Anthony Davis is by no means a slouch. At 31 years of age, Davis is a 10-time All-Star, and a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, recognizing him as one of the 75 greatest NBA players of all time.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said. “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.”
With Davis, Dallas will now look to retool and prepare to usher in a new era without their young superstar.
LA’s focus will now be on finding a big man to pair with the new duo in the hopes of helping LeBron win his fifth ring and earning another championship banner for the Purple and Gold.
NBA players around the association were shocked by the news, including Phoenix Suns stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
“It’s crazy, man. I really don’t know what to say about it,” Booker said. “Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable… 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 Dončić would get traded,” Durant said. “At his age, midseason, the NBA is a wild place, man. If he can get traded then anybody is up for grabs.”
