In a move that sent shockwaves through the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks have orchestrated a blockbuster trade by sending Anthony Davis (AD) to Dallas in exchange for Luka Dončić.
This deal instantly reshapes the balance of power in the Western Conference. With Davis’ dominant presence in the paint and Dončić’s playmaking and scoring, this high-stakes gamble could redefine both franchises’ futures for years to come.
The details of the trade were Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for the Mavericks to receive Davis, Max Christie and the 2029 first round pick. The Utah Jazz also received Jalen Hood-Schifino, the 2025 Clippers second round pick and the 2025 Mavericks second-round pick.
Davis was the number one overall pick back in 2012 for the then-New Orleans Hornets. He spent seven years with the organization before being traded to the Lakers in 2019. Since then, he has been a pivotal player in their lineup and championship winning team in 2020. Davis averaged 25.7 points per game, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game before the trade. Dončić was the number three overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks, where he was traded on draft night for fellow draftee Trae Young.
Dončić spent the last seven seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, and became one of the best scorers in the NBA. Last season, he led his team to their first NBA finals appearance since 2011. This season, Dončić averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game before the trade.
The NBA world went into a frenzy after the trade was announced. Many NBA superstars took to X to share their opinions on the trade. Milwaukee Bucks great, and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo commented with “Cold World” emojis to signal that anything could happen, even if you are loyal to your team. Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxy commented “HUHH!!!!”, the same reaction to the news that many fans expressed. Pelicans guard CJ McCollum said on X, “Gotta pack them bags just in case now a days. If the Don got traded only lord knows.” This signaled to the world that if one of the best can get traded, anyone can.
UNH students had their own reaction to the trade. Justin Alonso, a graduate student getting his master’s in business administration said, “I woke up in the morning and saw the ESPN notification and was shocked. It felt like one of those dreams in which you wake up and see a fake alert about something fake happening.”
Marc Spinelli, a sport management major said, “This trade is the biggest and most surprising in the history of sports.”
Davis sent his farewell message on Instagram and said, “6 years ago, I came to win a championship, and I’ll always remember that moment we did. LA will always be special, but now it’s time for a new chapter in Dallas.”
Dončić also took his farewell message to Instagram and said, “7 years ago, I came as a teenager to chase my dream of playing at the highest level. I hoped to spend my career here and bring you a championship. Mavs fans will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you.”
Both Lakers and Mavericks can expect major changes to their lineups, as trading two of the game’s greatest players will come with changes. Without Davis, the projected Lakers lineup includes Dončić at point guard, Austin Reaves at shooting guard, Lebron James at small forward, Dorian Finney-Smith at power forward, and Jaxson Hayes at the five. Fans will wait to see if the Lakers can fill the void at center without Davis.
The Mavericks lineup without Dončić looks almost unrecognizable. Veteran Kyrie Irving will play at point, Klay Thompson at shooting guard, P.J Washington will slide over to small forward, Davis taking the power forward position and Daniel Gafford rounding it all out at the five. Both teams are title hungry and hope that this trade can push them over the edge. Only time will tell who won the biggest trade in sports history.
