NBA Executives Criticize Mavericks Over Luka Doncic Trade Tactics with Lakers
The trade that moved Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers continues to spark debate. Multiple NBA executives have voiced their dissatisfaction with how the negotiations were handled.
As reported by The Athletic, some executives were frustrated that they weren’t given the chance to bid for the star player, believing they could have presented a better offer than the Lakers. It was revealed that Mavs General Manager Nico Harrison only negotiated with Los Angeles, which has caused considerable backlash.
“Since the trade was completed, other top executives have privately expressed that they could have outdone the Lakers’ proposal, which didn’t even include all of Los Angeles’ best assets,” said Christian Clark, Mike Vorkunov, and Fred Katz. “Their teams were kept in the dark, unlike the usual transparency when a generational talent is on the market.”
In normal circumstances, teams can compete to offer more when a player like Doncic is available, driving up the price. However, Harrison allegedly kept these talks confidential to avoid creating a “disastrous environment” within the Mavericks if Doncic or his agent became aware of the trade discussions and used their bargaining power.
While Harrison did reach out to at least one other team besides the Lakers about trading Doncic for another star, he mainly focused his efforts on Los Angeles. Since his arrival, Harrison had set his sights on acquiring Anthony Davis, which he ultimately achieved.
However, this strategy has led to external backlash, particularly among Mavericks fans who remain upset about trading their franchise player.
Compounding the Mavericks’ difficulties, Anthony Davis, the centerpiece of the return for Doncic, suffered an adductor strain in his debut for Dallas and is expected to be out for at least a month. Surgery has not been ruled out, and the team has been tight-lipped on updates during the All-Star break.
Currently, the Mavericks sit eighth in the Western Conference with a 30-26 record. They will face the New Orleans Pelicans after the break. The team has struggled with injuries, including extended absences for Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II. Several others, such as Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Dwight Powell, and Caleb Martin, were also sidelined during the team’s 118-113 win over the Miami Heat.
Meanwhile, Doncic and the Lakers will face the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. This game is an early return from the break due to rescheduling after recent wildfires. Los Angeles enters the game with optimism, sitting fifth in the Western Conference standings, while the Mavericks are ranked eighth.