Dallas Mavericks boss defends stunning trade, as Luka Doncic says emotional goodbye to fans
Blockbuster trade sends Luka Doncic to LA Lakers, with Anthony Davis heading in the opposite direction
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended the jaw-dropping trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis on Sunday, as a shell-shocked NBA struggled to comprehend the deal and the Slovenian said an emotional farewell to his “home away from home”.
In a seismic development that sent shock waves rippling throughout the basketball world, the Mavs traded away Doncic – a 25-year-old five-time All-Star – in exchange for Lakers big man Davis as part of a three-team deal.
The extraordinary trade gives Dallas badly needed defensive heft with the acquisition of Davis, while the Lakers have at a stroke solved the riddle of how to prepare for life after LeBron James, the 40-year-old superstar who is the current face of the franchise.
Neither Davis, Doncic nor James were given advance warning that the deal was in the works, US media reported.
In a letter to Dallas fans, Doncic told them he had expected to spend his career in the city.
“For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the US for the first time, you made North Texas fell like home,” Doncic wrote. “In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most.