NBA rumors: Insider claims Jaylen Brown is the reason Mavericks traded Luka Doncic.
The Dallas Mavericks’ choice to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and Max Christie has sparked ongoing speculation. NBA insider Marc Spears recently discussed on The Cedric Maxwell Podcast that Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was a major factor in Dallas deciding to part ways with their franchise player.
“People focus on his offensive play, [but] that guy, he’s the reason Luka got traded,” Spears said, referring to Brown’s performance in the previous season’s NBA Finals.
Brown played a crucial role in the Celtics’ five-game victory over the Mavericks, earning Finals MVP honors. Spears pointed to Brown’s defensive effort against Doncic as a key factor in Dallas’ decision-making.
“He shut him down in the Finals. What he did to Luka, guarding him full court and making it tough offensively… caused Dallas to start questioning Luka’s role as the team leader and his fitness,” Spears added.
Jaylen Brown’s defense in the Finals raised concerns about Luka Doncic Brown’s defensive play against Doncic seemed to stir doubts within the Mavericks organization. Though Doncic remained one of the league’s top offensive players, his leadership and conditioning were reportedly questioned after the Finals defeat.
Spears also addressed Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s mindset, suggesting the front office didn’t make the trade without careful consideration.
“I know Nico really well – he doesn’t act impulsively. There’s more to the story, but they’re trying to stay respectful and not delve too deep,” Spears said.
The trade has altered the trajectory of both teams. Dallas, led by Davis and Kyrie Irving, is still in contention for a playoff spot in the Western Conference despite injuries, while the Lakers have worked to incorporate Doncic alongside LeBron James.
Doncic finds rhythm with Lakers ahead of his first game against his former team Luka Doncic has played four games with the Lakers, averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. After missing two months with a calf strain, he had his best game as a Laker in Saturday’s 123-100 win over the Denver Nuggets, recording 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and a block.
The Lakers (34-21) currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, just 2.5 games behind the Denver Nuggets for second place. Doncic is set to face the Mavericks (31-27) for the first time since the trade when the teams meet on Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. ET on TNT.
As speculation about the true reasons for Dallas’ decision to trade Doncic continues, his performance with the Lakers will be closely monitored. As Spears noted, “Now we’ll see how things unfold for Luka in LA, and everything will be under a microscope.”