NBA: Mavericks Trade Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis in a shocking blockbuster deal that also includes the Utah Jazz.

The Mavericks confirmed the trade on Sunday morning after news broke just after midnight ET.

Along with Doncic, the Lakers will receive Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will get Max Christie and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick.

The Jazz will take Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 second-round pick from the Clippers, and the Mavericks’ 2025 second-round pick. ESPN first reported the trade, which comes just days before the February 6 trade deadline.

This deal is one of the biggest in NBA history and will change the future of both franchises. Many are surprised that Dallas moved on from Doncic, who has been among the league’s best since his 2018 debut.

He has made five straight All-NBA First Teams and led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last year, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. Doncic, 25, has averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field.

Despite his talent, Dallas decided to move forward without him. Reports suggest that Doncic did not request a trade, but he was not planning to stay with the Mavericks past 2026. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison explained that they wanted to act early before facing a tough situation in the summer.

Doncic’s defensive struggles and conditioning concerns also played a role in the decision. He has been out since Christmas due to a calf injury and has never played more than 72 games in a season. Harrison emphasized the importance of defense, stating that acquiring Davis, a top defender, gives them a better chance to win both now and in the future.

Now, the Mavericks will pair Davis with Kyrie Irving. While Davis is an elite player, his injury history raises concerns. At 26-23, Dallas sits in ninth place in the Western Conference, fighting for a playoff spot.