DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are trading star Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster deal, the team officially announced Sunday morning.
News broke late Saturday night that the trade was going down, according to multiple reports, including from ESPN’s Shams Charania.
As Charania reported, Mavericks officials say the team will receive the Lakers’ Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. It’s a three-team deal that includes the Utah Jazz, according to the report.
“We are thankful for Luka and grateful for his efforts during his time with us,” Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison said in a press release Sunday morning. “He helped build this team and was an integral part of the success we’ve seen throughout the years, including our recent NBA Finals run, along with Maxi and Markieff who are veteran voices equally valued across this team. This is a new chapter, and we are excited to welcome Anthony and Max to the fold. AD is an experienced veteran, who can play both ends of the floor while helping elevate us defensively. He knows first-hand what it takes to win, and I know he’s motivated to be a part of what we’re building in Dallas.”
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Three-team deal that includes Utah.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2025
Doncic has been out of action for over a month after suffering a left calf strain on Christmas Day and Kleber, just a few days ago, underwent surgery for a fracture in his right foot.
ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon, a longtime member of the Mavericks press corps, shed some light on why exactly this trade was executed, including reporting a quote from Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.
Harrison emphasized defense as a motivating factor for trading Doncic in a deal for center Anthony Davis, one of the top defensive players in the NBA.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison told MacMahon. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
MacMahon also reported on some frustrations the Mavericks reportedly had with Doncic, saying the team had “major concerns about moving forward” with Doncic “due to his constant conditioning issues,” along with an upcoming supermax contract extension he’ll be due to sign this summer.
This is a developing story. Stay with WFAA for the latest updates.