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Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers stunned the basketball world when they traded two NBA superstars, Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.
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Luka Doncic (L) and Anthony Davis have switched places in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. Photo by AP |
On Feb. 2, a few days before the NBA transfer market closed, the Lakers traded Davis, 31, to the Mavericks in return for the iconic star of their rival, Doncic, 25. The news shook the entire American basketball scene, as Davis and Doncic were both considered untouchable at their two clubs.
The specific deal between the Lakers and Mavericks also involved a third team, the Utah Jazz. In which, the Lakers received Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, the Mavericks received Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, the Jazz had Jalen Hood-Schifino, the LA Clippers' 2025 second-round pick and the Mavericks' 2025 second-round pick.
'Bizarre blockbuster'
ESPN and many major media outlets have called the deal "one of the most bizarre blockbusters in NBA history".
"Generational 25-year-olds don't get traded. Usually players of this ilk aren't moved until their third contract, if they move at all. And when they are moved, the receiving team usually has to give up everything to get him," The Athletic wrote.
Both Doncic and Davis have been named to the All-NBA and All-Star teams multiple times. Davis was recently named to the 2025 All-Star team after a stellar start to the season. Doncic is currently injured but is the best international player in the NBA in the past half-decade, considered an untouchable symbol of the Mavericks and predicted to be the number one symbol of the NBA in the next few years.
"It's crazy, man. I really don't know what to say about it. Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. This deal shows that anything can happen in this league," Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker told media when asked about his reaction to the trade.
Before sending Davis to the Mavericks, the Lakers had rejected all offers to trade him for nearly six years, since 2019. Davis is one of the best centers in NBA history, contributing greatly to the Lakers' championship in 2020. He is also a close friend of LeBron James, the number one star of the Lakers and the NBA. The close relationship between them has led many to believe that the duo will stick together until James retires.
Why did the Mavericks let Doncic go?
The decision to trade Doncic has sparked criticism and debate among Mavericks fans and pundits. Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison has spoken about the move, emphasizing the importance of defense.
"We think defense wins championships and we're bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league," Harrison told AP, calling Davis "a unique unicorn" in the NBA.
Harison also admitted that in order for the Lakers to agree to the Davis trade, he was forced to put Doncic on the negotiating table.
"We feel like we're built to win now as well as in the future," he added.
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Luka Doncic (R) and Anthony Davis during an NBA game in 2023. Photo by AP |
The surprising trade came when Doncic had the potential to sign a five-year supermax contract extension this summer with the Mavs, which could have been worth around $345 million, or leave as a free agent.
With Doncic's top-notch offensive skills, the Mavericks won the Western Conference last season, then lost 1-4 in the finals to the Boston Celtics. Without Doncic, the NBA runner-up's offense will rely more on two veteran stars Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson.
Life post-Davis for the Lakers
As for the Lakers, they certainly cannot fill the void under the basket left by Davis. Coach JJ Redick's lineup, which has been playing quite well since the beginning of the season, will be significantly unbalanced in the upcoming matches. However, the Lakers are willing to sacrifice the immediate results to wait for Doncic to recover from injury in the middle of this month.
"The Lakers' part of this trade is easy to understand. This season does not matter. They had to prepare for the next decade without LeBron. They just have," The Athletic wrote.
When that happens, the offense with LeBron James and Doncic will have to carry the entire defense without Davis. The Lakers are currently fifth, while the Mavericks are ninth in the Western Conference.
The Lakers giving up Davis to bring in Doncic is also seen as a preparation to replace James, who is still playing well at the age of 40 but will not have much time left in basketball.
