The Dallas Mavericks made a shocking trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Rob Pelinka wasn’t sure it was a real offer.
On Saturday morning, the NBA world was nudged into a tailspin by a jaw-dropping report: the Dallas Mavericks were trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.
The fan reaction in Dallas was somewhat of a panic. Why would the Mavs part ways with Doncic, who, at just 25 years old, has emerged as the most talented player in franchise history?
Fans are still searching for answers and likely won’t get a satisfying explanation anytime soon, but even the Lakers’ front office had a hard time digesting the deal.
It would seem that fans weren’t the only ones shocked by the offer.
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News’ Brad Townsend, Mavericks’ general manager Nico Harrison did his best to explain the rationale behind the trade. Harrison cited his 20-year relationship with Rob Pelinka as the backbone for the deal.
“It’s one of those things where it’s my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost,” Harrison explained.
When Pelinka heard the Mavericks’ offer, his initial response, according to Harrison, was a simple, “Nah, you’re joking, right?”
It turns out Harrison was dead serious, much to the chagrin of fans.
Despite making the NBA Finals this season, the Mavericks clearly don’t think that Doncic would be able to get them back to the promised land.
He has dealt with injuries all season, but, when healthy, remains one of the top players in the league.
However, Harrison wanted to pair Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II with a high-level center and outlined his vision.
“I think if you look at the Cleveland Cavaliers, that’s what you’re going to see,” said Harrison in the same interview regarding the Mavs’ vision. “Anthony’s probably going to finish games at the five, but you’re going to see those guys play together. And when Lakers won, he played the four.”
Without Doncic, the Mavericks’ long-term viability is yet to be seen, but there is at least some direction in Dallas.
