The Dallas Mavericks pulled off one of the biggest trades in NBA history on Saturday after they acquired Anthony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, they had to give up their star, Luka Doncic , which made the trade even more mysterious. The Mavs’ general manager, Nico Harrison, addressed the trade after the news broke out and talked about why the team had to do the deal.

“As we turn the page, I think it’s important to know that [Mavs coach Jason Kidd] and I, we’ve had a vision and the culture that we want to create since we’ve been here,” Harrison said. “The players that we’re bringing in we believe exemplify that. We think defense wins championships, and we’re bringing in one of the best two-way players in the league.

“Well, let’s be clear: I’m the one making the decision and [Kidd]’s supportive of it, so it’s me,” he continued. “I don’t do anything that’s scary. I think everything that we do, we put a lot of work into it, we study it and we re-study it and we go back. I understand the magnitude of it.”

Although Davis is 31 and Doncic is 25, there were first questions about the Slovenian star’s fitness. Tim MacMahon of ESPN claims that the five-time All-Star’s negligent approach to food and training caused “extreme frustration” within the organization. MacMahon reported that it affected their final decision to trade the All-NBA player.

However, Harrison didn’t address the matter directly when he was asked about it.

Doncic spent seven years with the Mavericks. Since he started his NBA career, the star guard has already been part of the organization. He averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists during his time in Dallas.

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The Mavs’ minority owner, Mark Cuban, admitted he did not influence the team’s decision to transfer Luka Doncic to the Lakers. WFAA, Dallas’ local ABC station, claims that Cuban was not involved in the transaction. In 2023, he sold the Adelson family the majority of his holdings. He still owns a portion of the company, but he doesn’t participate in any of the daily basketball operations.

According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the decision was solely on Harrison. Stein reported late Saturday night that the deal with the Lakers happened after a sudden call by the general manager.

“The Mavericks and Luka Doncic, until tonight, were heading toward a five-year contract extension in July worth a record $345 million,” Stein reported. “Dallas GM Nico Harrison made the call to abruptly change the direction of the franchise with one of the most stunning trades in league history.”

Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic Called Out For Horrible Blunder During Crucial Moment vs. Utah Jazz 2 Nov 14, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Dallas guard Luka Doncic (77) warms up before the game against the Utah at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images