The Dallas Mavericks made a shocking move by trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. This trade, initially reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, has sent shockwaves through the NBA. But it has also complicated the Sacramento Kings’ plans regarding De’Aaron Fox.
There had been signs that the Mavericks were dissatisfied with Doncic’s conditioning and were seeking a more defense-oriented team in hopes of winning a championship. However, the Kings, who had been actively exploring a Fox trade, are now in a difficult position.
The Mavericks’ General Manager, Nico Harrison, made a significant error by trading Doncic without exploring the open market. Instead of negotiating a trade by considering multiple offers, the Mavericks kept their plans under wraps and acted in secrecy. This move could have a far-reaching impact on the trade market for Fox.
Before the trade, the Kings were reportedly seeking Keldon Johnson, Stephon Castle, matching salary, and multiple first-round picks from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Fox. But after the Lakers received only one first-round pick for a player of Doncic’s caliber, the Spurs might question why they should offer the Kings more for Fox, especially since Doncic is clearly more valuable than Fox. The Kings’ asking price for Fox will likely have to decrease as a result of the poor return on Doncic’s trade.
In short, the spotlight that was once on Sacramento has now shifted, and the Kings’ situation has become more complicated due to the Mavericks’ decision-making. The Kings’ failure to pick Doncic over Marvin Bagley III continues to haunt them in unexpected ways.
