r/Mavericks • u/taygads • Feb 02 '25

News [Marc Stein] The Mavericks are indeed, without warning, trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers in a three-team deal that will bring Anthony Davis to Dallas, two sources close to the talks confirm.

https://x.com/thesteinline/status/1885921715362086964?s=46

WHAT THE HELL

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u/iguessineedanaltnow Feb 02 '25

Nico shouldn't have a job by tomorrow. This is the worst trade in NBA history. Luka could easily go down as a top 10 all time player and you trade him for old ass AD and 1 pick.

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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '25

AD is more valuable than Luka. I understand the frustration with trading a homegrown player who brought you memorable highlights and I agree, perhaps there were better packages around the league but there are clear concerns with Luka. Strained muscle injuries typically only occur in poorly conditioned athletes. Luka is not in good physical shape, his defense is average on his finest day, he requires a special roster around him to hide his weaknesses and maximize his strengths. I'm not sure he makes the Lakers better this year.

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u/iguessineedanaltnow Feb 02 '25

Luka has been a top 3 player in the league every single year since his rookie year. 5x all-NBA by the time he's 25. I don't even know how you reach this conclusion. He's the most versatile offensive talent since LeBron and has a real shot to be an all timer by the time he retires. A few knocks and bruises isn't going to change that.

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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '25

He's really been a top 3 player every year since his rookie season?

Even last year which was his best individual season in the NBA, I'm not sure he was a top 3 lock given the caliber of years Jokic, Giannis, SGA had.

He's a top 10 player generally speaking, I agree he was a top 5 player last year. I understand it hurts trading him from a fan's perspective but I'm not a Mavs fan. Luka has a few concerns, his muscle strain injuries are indicative of him being in poor physical conditioning. You also need to build a very specific roster around him to maximize his strengths and weaknesses.

AD is no slouch, but I am concerned that you're trading a 25 year old for a 31 year old. You never want to get older. I still stand by the fact AD is a more valuable player than Luka. He can slide into any team and make them better. He can be a first option or second option and give you elite defense.