Anthony Davis is a four-time first-team All-NBA selection, a three-time pick for the All-Defensive team, an NBA champion. He’s averaging 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds per game in this NBA season, a month before his 32nd birthday.And despite his credentials, Dallas Mavericks fans and others on Sunday were left wondering why their team would acquire Davis if it meant giving up Luka Doncic, a dynamic scorer who led the league with 33.9 points per game last season and has been named All-NBA five seasons in a row.
All before he turns 26 later this month.
Who was Doncic traded for?
Late on Saturday night, the Mavericks dealt Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, per ESPN.
Utah was involved as a third team to facilitate the trade, receiving Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Los Angeles Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick and the Mavericks’ 2025 second-round selection.
Why was he traded?
Dallas general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN early on Sunday that Doncic’s shortcoming as a defender – and Davis’ excellence at that end of the floor – were driving factors for the deal as the Mavericks strive to reach the NBA playoffs. Advertisement
The Doncic-led Mavericks were swept by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals last June.
“I believe that defence wins championships,” Harrison said. “I …
