The Dallas Mavericks made headlines by executing a blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis— a move reminiscent of fantasy basketball trades but rarely seen in reality.
While the trade itself was shocking, the lack of prior knowledge among players and even LeBron James, who learned about it over dinner, made it even more unexpected. Neither Dončić nor Davis had publicly requested a trade, adding to the surprise factor.
After the deal was finalized, Dončić sent a simple message to his former teammates: “Thanks for everything.” This brief yet heartfelt message reflected his emotions as he parted ways with teammates who had been with him throughout his seven-year tenure in Dallas.
Naji Marshall admitted he hadn’t spoken directly with Dončić but confirmed the farewell message in the team’s group chat. “I was surprised like everyone else. Very good dude. Good teammate. I look forward to playing…” Marshall shared.
For the Mavericks players, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Less than 24 hours after the trade, they had to take the court for a game, still reeling from the shocking news. Even though Dončić wouldn’t have played due to a calf injury, his absence seemed to weigh heavily on the team.
Their performance in the first game post-Dončić was as rough as expected. After the first quarter, the Cleveland Cavaliers held a commanding 50-19 lead. A Mavericks squad that ranked 10th in scoring before Sunday’s game struggled to put up points while their defense collapsed without their star.
The struggles continued into the second quarter, where Dallas was outscored 41-27, entering halftime down 91-46— a staggering 45-point deficit. Injuries to Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Derrick Lively further compounded the challenge, leaving the Mavericks shorthanded against a dominant 39-9 Cavaliers team.
While the situation looks bleak now, things are expected to improve once injured players return and Davis joins the lineup. However, losing a generational talent like Dončić is a tough adjustment for any team.
