The Los Angeles Lakers executed one of the most significant trades in NBA history during this deadline, doing so entirely out of public view. Without any rumors surfacing, general manager Rob Pelinka traded Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic. It indicated a major transformation in the NBA, executed without anyone being informed.
Only Pelinka, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, and the two team owners were aware of the agreement. Neither the players nor their representatives. This implied excluding both Davis and his representative, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, even though he is one of the most influential agents in the industry today. Harrison and Pelinka both indicated that agreements of this scale don’t occur after they become widely known.
Paul had the opportunity to discuss the trade and the relocation of his client from Los Angeles to Dallas. Although he was also entirely unaware of the deal, he maintained an unexpectedly optimistic view about the entire situation, according to Gil’s Arena podcast with Gilbert Arenas:
“Almost all the time, I’m going to be aware of what’s happening.” The single instance I didn’t was when we all, in a sense, were unaware of what was happening. It was a surprise to everyone. The people involved were surprising. I was always aware of the connection felt for AD from Nico’s view, so the outcome wasn’t truly surprising. The timing was unexpected, and clearly, those involved were surprising. However, you don’t shift mountains with everyone aware. It is impossible for you to do so. I’m thankful I was unaware, and I’m also grateful that others were too, as it likely wouldn’t have occurred if there had been knowledge. Now you begin to reveal various opinions, discussions, and tricky issues. Therefore, you can’t accomplish those tasks when others are aware.
Though numerous people have condemned the Mavericks for parting ways with Doncic — particularly the reasoning behind it — Paul appeared rather unsurprised once he learned all the specifics. For his client in Davis, Dallas is a location where he will receive full support due to his connection with Harrison.
In light of everything that has happened, Paul is thankful the trade went through and praised Pelinka and Harrison for being discreet enough to complete a deal of this scale.
Luka Doncic is not expected to face minute limitations in the future.
Luka Doncic faced a tight minutes limitation during his initial two games with the Lakers, but following the All-Star break, head coach JJ Redick does not expect that to be necessary anymore. He mentioned that Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets will probably not have limited minutes for Doncic.