I know we normally talk about pizza here, but today we need to discuss how the Dallas Mavericks just traded away their entire franchise. And no, I'm not talking about Dominos.
The Dallas Mavericks just traded away Luka Dončić. Let that sink in.
They traded a 25-year-old who's already made All-NBA five times - the only player under 30 to accomplish this. They traded away a player who just dropped 73 points against Atlanta last month. They traded away a generational talent who averages 28.6 points per game - third in NBA history behind only Jordan and Chamberlain, who led the Mavs to the NBA Finals last season, and the Western Conference Finals in 2023.
And while Anthony Davis is an undeniably elite defensive anchor, who is currently averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds, changing countless shots at the rim, and who also has a championship pedigree, this trade is still baffling. The silver lining for Davis is that he finally gets his wish to play primarily at power forward, with both Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively to handle center duties. It's a setup that could maximize AD's versatility while reducing the physical toll on his body, which is something he's long advocated for during his time with the Lakers.
Look, if Luka enjoys an extra slice of pizza now and then, so what? That's hardly a reason to trade away a top-3 NBA player who's only 25. It's not some career-ending disability. It's a minor detail that could easily be addressed with proper conditioning, and habit building. The Mavericks essentially traded away the whole pizzeria because they were worried about the chef having a few extra slices. They just swapped their entire pizzeria for a slice of A.D.
This earth-shattering deal is stunning, not just for its impact, but for how secretly it was negotiated. In today's NBA, even the smallest trade rumors leak instantly. Yet, this blockbuster remained completely under wraps. There were no cryptic tweets from insiders, no "sources say" articles. In a league where Woj (we miss ya, Woj!) and now Shams, who broke the news, typically get the scoop before the teams themselves, this silence is remarkable. It speaks volumes about the discretion and commitment of both front offices.
An Extra Large Pizza Was Just Delivered to LA
Rob Pelinka's masterful maneuvering here cannot be understated. While LeBron James remains one of the league's elite players, the Lakers' GM has secured not just their future, but their present. This isn't just planning for tomorrow, it's intriguing today. The prospect of LeBron and Luka sharing the court is enough to give Western Conference coaches nightmares. Sure, they still need a big, but come on, Luka FREAKING Dončić and King James?! You can find a center. You can’t find another Luka. Well done, Rob.
This is the kind of trade that gets people fired. The Lakers didn't just win this trade, they committed highway robbery. Any team in the NBA would have made this trade in the Lakers' position. You get a young superstar who could be the face of your franchise for the next decade? It's a no-brainer.
What's wild is Nico Harrison's explanation about "getting ahead of a tumultuous summer" regarding Luka's potential supermax extension. That's not strategy, that's panic. You don't trade away a player of Luka's caliber because you're worried about future negotiations. Even with Davis's defensive brilliance and perfect fit next to Kyrie, this is still Luka Dončić, a once-in-a-generation talent, and Anthony Davis’s injury history, along with the fact that he turns 32 next month is leaving many of the Mavericks faithful scratching their heads at the franchise-altering move.
The Lakers just got their next franchise cornerstone, while the Mavericks will be explaining this one for years to come. As Kevin Durant put it: "Insane. It's crazy. Crazy. Damn, would of never thought Luka Doncic would get traded."
Crazy indeed, KD. Crazy indeed.
What a wild trade... what do you think? Leave a comment with your thoughts, or connect with me on BlueSky.
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