Luka Doncic Trade Shakes Up Dallas Mavericks

One year later, the ripple effects of the blockbuster deal are still being felt.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:47pm

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One year ago, the Dallas Mavericks traded superstar Luka Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas. The shocking move has had a profound impact on the Mavericks, who have struggled to recover and now face an uncertain future.

Why it matters

The Luka Doncic trade was one of the biggest shockwaves to hit the NBA in recent memory. As the face of the Mavericks franchise, Doncic's departure has left a gaping hole both on the court and in the hearts of Dallas fans. The team's struggles since the trade have raised questions about the front office's decision-making and the long-term direction of the organization.

The details

In the deal, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis and Max Christie from the Lakers, as well as a 2029 first-round pick. However, Davis has struggled with injuries and has played fewer games for Dallas than rookie Cooper Flagg. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have failed to make the playoffs since the trade, leading to calls for the firing of general manager Nico Harrison.

  • On February 2, 2025, the trade was announced at 11:12 p.m.
  • Luka Doncic made his debut for the Lakers 9 days after the trade, on February 10, 2025.

The players

Luka Doncic

A 25-year-old Slovenian superstar who was the face of the Dallas Mavericks franchise before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nico Harrison

The general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, who made the controversial decision to trade Doncic.

Anthony Davis

A veteran NBA star who was traded to the Mavericks as part of the deal, but has struggled with injuries and played fewer games for Dallas than rookie Cooper Flagg.

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What they’re saying

“BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Three-team deal that includes Utah.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider (Twitter)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to rebuild in the offseason and try to find a way back to the playoffs, but the long-term impact of the Luka Doncic trade remains to be seen.

The takeaway

The Luka Doncic trade has had a profound impact on the Dallas Mavericks, leaving the team struggling to recover and raising questions about the front office's decision-making. The move has also altered the legacy of one of the NBA's brightest young stars, with Doncic now playing for the Lakers instead of the team that drafted him.