The NBA secretly got rid of the best basketball player in the world. What was it at all?

In the world of NBA, one of the most high -profile transactions of the last decade occurred. “Dallas Maverits” unexpectedly exchanged the Franchise-Igrock Luke Donchich at Los Angeles Lakers as part of a tripartite transaction, which also affected Utah Jazz. In return, the Texas club received Anthony Davis, defender Max Christie and Dress Pick of the first round of 2029. This exchange caused a shock among fans and experts, many of whom already call it a huge mistake for Dallas.

Details of exchange

According to the insider Shams Charani, Maveriks, Lakers and Jazz agreed on the next distribution of players:

• Lakers: Donchich playing Luke, Forwards Maxi Kleber and Markiff Morris.
• “Dallas”: Center Anthony Davis, defender Max Christie, draft pick of the first round of 2029 from Lakers.
• Utah: Defender Jalen Hud Shinfino, two draft pikes of the second round of 2025 (from “Clippers” and “Maveriks”).

Why did Dallas decide on this step?

Maveritsa General Manager Nico Harrison explained the deal with a defense strengthening strategy.

– I am convinced that it is the protection that brings titles. I am sure that the signing of the Central level of the protective team and the player of the symbolic team of the season with outstanding defensive skills significantly increases our chances. Our goal is to win both now and in the future, ”Tim McMan quotes Harrison’s words.

Luka Donchich / Photo: © SAM Hodde / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

However, this decision hides deeper reasons. According to ESPN, the club was concerned about the physical form of Donchich and the way it could affect his future maximum extension of the contract. At the same time, Maveriks had long been looking for an elite centr and considered only Davis as a worthy alternative to their leader.

How did the negotiations go?

The exchange was a surprise even for the players themselves. According to Charani, Donchich, Davis and even Lebron James did not know about the preparation of the transaction.

– He appeared as if from nowhere. This is the most amazing deal that I had to write about. There was practically no information about negotiations between Rob Pelinka from Lakers and Harrison from Maverits. According to my reports, Donchich, Davis, James and many others inside the clubs did not even suspect the upcoming exchange. This is especially true for James. Donchich is still shocked by what happened.

Donchich is a regular participant in symbolic teams, it seemed that he was untouchable. However, according to my information, it was Maveriks who initiated the transaction. They clearly knew who they wanted to get, and Davis was their only option in exchange for a star playing.

After the proposal of Dallas, the Lakers took place internal discussion with the participation of Gini Bass, because the club did not initially plan to part with Davis. But in the end, the decision was made, ”said ESPN insider.

Dallas negotiated in complete secrecy, communicating with several clubs to find the third side, but hiding the essence of the transaction. As a result, Utah became a key element of exchange, having adopted the Kud-Shifino contract ($ 4 million) and receiving two drafts of the second round for this, informer Jack Fisher said.

Davis and his role in the transaction

Davis not only agreed to the exchange, but also went on significant concessions for the sake of the new team. According to journalist Chris Haynes, Davis abandoned the trade bonus of 15%, which helped Dallas to reduce the tax burden. Earlier, the club exceeded the threshold of luxury tax by 5.1 million, and Davis’s refusal from the bonus was an important step for the financial stability of the team.

Anthony Davis / Photo: © Patrick Smith / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

Davis also expressed satisfaction with the transition to Dallas, noting a good relationship with Harrison and the opportunity to play the position of a heavy striker due to the presence of competent central in the composition.

How did fans react?

Dallas fans met this news with indignation. Many believe that the team made a historical mistake by exchanging the best basketball player in the world for not the most stable central. In social networks, you can see a flurry of criticism against the leadership of Maveriks, which, according to the fans, destroyed the future of the team.

At the same time, in Los Angeles the opposite reaction-Lakers fans are delighted with the acquisition of a superstar. Now Donchich and Lebron will form one of the most powerful couples in the history of the NBA, and Lakers become one of the main applicants for the title.

So far, there are many questions. How does Dallas adapt to life without Donchich? Can Davis avoid injuries and become the leader of the new team? How does Luka will flush into the Lakers system? This exchange radically changed the balance of forces in the NBA, and now everyone will closely monitor its consequences.