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Windhorst: Luka, Mavs Relationship 'Was More Fractured Than Anyone Comprehended'

Doric SamFebruary 4, 2025

DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center on December 23, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Many are still wondering what prompted the Dallas Mavericks to trade star guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, and one expert revealed that the writing was already on the wall that the Mavs were ready to ship him away.

"The league is rarely caught off guard by a transaction, but here we are, even after two days to digest the deal. The two takeaways I've heard the most: The Mavs' relationship with Dončić was more fractured than anyone comprehended, and the return from the Lakers was less than anyone expected," ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Tuesday.

Dallas sent Dončić and forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles in exchange for star big man Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.

Trading a 25-year-old phenom likely would've garnered a bigger return, but Mavs general manager Nico Harrison revealed that the Lakers were the only team he spoke to regarding a potential deal for Dončić.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon added some context to the decision, reporting that Dallas "had major concerns about moving forward" with Dončić "due to his constant conditioning issues and the looming commitment of another supermax contract extension this summer." MacMahon later said on Monday's episode of The Hoop Collective (43:45 mark) that the Mavs "were terrified of a supermax commitment," as Dončić would've been eligible to receive a five-year, $345 million extension this summer.

The public perception surrounding the trade likely won't change anytime soon. Dallas shipped away the face of its franchise without warning, completely altering the team's future outlook.

Only time will tell if the Mavs made the correct decision to part ways with Dončić at the height of his career.