Mavericks GM discusses 'tough decision' to trade young superstar Luka Dončić

The Dallas Mavericks did the unthinkable overnight by trading Luka Dončić.

It's possibly the astir stunning commercialized successful NBA, and possibly sports, past – determination had been nary rumors astir this astatine all, and Dončić is inactive conscionable 25 years aged and a perennial MVP candidate.

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So, wherefore would the Mavs determination connected from him? Especially aft an NBA Finals appearance.

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Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Thunder during the Western Conference playoffs astatine Paycom Center connected May 9, 2024, successful Oklahoma City. (Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Well, wide manager Nico Harrison admitted soon aft making the commercialized that helium was acrophobic astir the team's defense, a bugaboo of Dončić's. Trading for Anthony Davis surely helps successful that area.

But Dončić is – well, was – a franchise cornerstone. 

"I recognize wherefore [fans] would beryllium shocked, initially," Harrison told the Dallas Morning News. 

"But I bash judge that we positioned ourselves to triumph present and besides triumph successful the future. And that’s yet the extremity and wherefore we’re here. It’s 1 of those things wherever it’s my occupation to marque the pugnacious decisions that enactment our goals archetypal and foremost."

Aside from the defence though, Dončić would person been successful rather a declaration conflict with the Mavs. His $207 cardinal hold is acceptable to expire this year, and helium was owed for a supermax that was worthy implicit $340 million. Plus, helium was soon capable to opt retired of immoderate different deals. So, Harrison wanted security.

Luka Dončić of the Mavericks handles the shot against Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers astatine American Airlines Center connected Feb. 26, 2023, successful Dallas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

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"We truly consciousness similar we got up of what was going to beryllium a tumultuous summer, him being eligible for the supermax and besides a twelvemonth distant from him being capable to opt retired of immoderate contract," Harrison said. "And truthful we truly felt similar we got retired successful beforehand of that. We cognize teams, they’ve had it retired there, teams person been loading up to effort to motion him erstwhile that comes available."

And with the speculation that the Mavs were upset with Doncic's conditioning, it appears the stars aligned for Dallas to determination connected from him.

The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, portion the Mavericks took connected Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles' 2029 first-round pick. To settee it each out, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and 2 second-round picks.

Luka Dončić of the Mavericks smiles earlier the crippled against the Orlando Magic astatine American Airlines Center connected Jan. 29, 2024, successful Dallas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

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The Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per crippled past play and won't crook 26 until aboriginal this month. In his career, helium averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, putting himself successful the MVP speech each twelvemonth of his young career.

Meanwhile, Davis finished successful 4th spot successful the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year voting past year, and is averaging implicit 25 points and 12 rebounds this season.

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