**Mavs Trade Luka to Lakers, Reversing Herschel Walker Deal**
DALLAS – This trade ranks among the most significant in Dallas sports history, on par with the 1989 Cowboys deal involving Herschel Walker.
And, honestly, it might even be remembered as one of the most foolish, based on public reaction.
On Saturday night, the Dallas Mavericks stunned fans by completing a three-team trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas is facing backlash for the decision.
The Mavericks traded Doncic, long-time Mavs player Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris, and a second-round pick in exchange for Anthony Davis, young wing Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick from the Lakers.
Doncic, who has spent his entire seven-year career in Dallas, has become an incredible statistical force, averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Those numbers surpass the career averages of his new teammate, LeBron James, considered by many the greatest player of all time.
This is not the first time the Mavericks have moved on from a young star. In 2004, they chose not to re-sign Steve Nash, who went on to win two MVPs with the Phoenix Suns.
It’s also not the first time a major trade has been made in Dallas sports history—the Herschel Walker trade in 1989 laid the groundwork for the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s.
But what is this trade aiming to achieve?
This certainly feels like “Herschel 2.0” in reverse.
The reaction in Dallas is already intense.
One longtime Mavs fan said: “Disgusting. Insane. I’m no longer a fan.”
Another commenter added: “He took the team to the Finals last year and now they trade him. This is absolutely trash. The Mavs are embarrassing.”
For the Mavericks, the acquisition of Anthony Davis is intended to keep the team competitive, with Kyrie Irving expected to carry much of the offensive responsibility. Max Christie is a promising young player who could start, and the 2029 draft pick could turn out to be valuable, especially if Doncic doesn’t re-sign with the Lakers.
Doncic was considered one of the few “untouchable” players in the league, but clearly, that assumption didn’t hold, as the Mavericks dealt their 25-year-old star, who holds numerous team records, including triple-doubles and points per game.
So, what’s the Mavericks’ reasoning for the move?
The Mavs cited concerns about Doncic’s recurring conditioning issues and the impending commitment of a supermax contract extension this summer.
But, of course, they traded Doncic due to his “conditioning issues” in exchange for a player, Davis, who has managed to play more than 60 games in just two of the last seven seasons.
It appears that Dallas didn’t want to pay a supermax deal to an outstanding player with flaws.
However, it’s clear that Dallas sports fans aren’t buying it. Not one bit.
