The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers came as a shock to many. But behind the scenes, the team had been actively seeking a way to part ways with their young star. Despite Doncic having a relatively clean injury history, the Mavericks reportedly lost trust in him and were determined to move on.
According to NBA insider Gary Woelfel, the Mavericks explored multiple trade options before finalizing the blockbuster deal with the Lakers. Their first attempts involved discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Minnesota Timberwolves. But neither team was willing to engage in serious negotiations.
“The Mavs reached out to the Bucks. But the Bucks made it clear to the Mavs they wouldn’t trade Antetokounmpo even though his future with the team is murky. As for the Timberwolves, it’s only logical that any potential deal between the Mavs and Timberwolves would have included Anthony Edwards, their ascending 23-year-old superstar,” the report read.
REPORT: The Mavericks attempted to trade Luka Doncic to the Bucks and Timberwolves, per @GeryWoelfel
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 11, 2025
“The Mavs reached out to the Bucks. But the Bucks made it clear to Mavs they wouldn’t trade Antetokounmpo even though his future with the team is murky.
As for the Timberwolves,… pic.twitter.com/Tzmfxxa4Y8
After failing to acquire a franchise-altering piece from either team, Dallas ultimately convinced the Lakers to swap Davis for Doncic in a blockbuster trade. However, their gamble on Davis has already backfired, as the big man is now out indefinitely with an injury.
Meanwhile, Doncic made his debut for the Lakers. He impressed despite not being fully recovered. He managed to finish the game without any injury setbacks, scoring 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Luka Doncic Set for “Revenge Tour” After Unexpected Mavericks Trade
Luka Doncic was caught completely off guard by the Mavericks’ decision to trade him midseason, with no indication that such a move was coming. However, former NBA player Chandler Parsons believes this unexpected trade will fuel Doncic’s motivation to dominate next season. Speaking on the Run It Back show, Parsons made a bold prediction regarding Doncic’s mindset moving forward.
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“I do expect him to be on this revenge tour. I will be betting that he wins the MVP next season. He feels disrespected, he’s offended, and he should be,” Parsons said.
Doncic had been committed to bringing a championship to Dallas. Now, as the newest star of the Los Angeles Lakers, he has a fresh opportunity to prove his worth on a bigger stage.
Also Read: Luka Doncic Appreciates LeBron James For His Encouraging Message Before Slovenian’s Lakers Debut
