The Dallas Mavericks made a huge and unexpected trade, sending Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers. This blockbuster deal alters the financial strategies of all teams involved. For the Mavericks, the trade has one key financial benefit: Anthony Davis waived his trade bonus, bringing the team $628,000 under the luxury tax threshold, compared to the $5.1 million they were over prior to the deal. This also means they won’t need to offer Dončić a supermax contract extension worth $345 million this offseason. Although this decision may seem straightforward, given Dončić’s recent Finals appearance, the Mavericks opted against it.
While the Mavericks save money now, the new contract for Davis, signed in 2023, increases the team’s obligations by nearly $8 million next season. Davis’s extension will be worth $54.1 million in its first year, with a player option worth $62.79 million in 2027-28. Moreover, Dončić is now no longer eligible for the supermax deal that was designed to keep superstars with their current teams, making the future of his contract with the Lakers uncertain.
Critics argue the Mavericks’ decision to trade Dončić for Davis could backfire, as Davis has been plagued by injuries and has only played over 65 games once in the last seven seasons. Additionally, while Max Christie shows potential as a solid shooter, he will soon need a contract extension, making this move even more surprising. This trade is undeniably one of the most unexpected in NBA history.
