Last night’s Luka Doncic trade was so shocking that many thought Shams Charania got hacked.
Just after midnight ET, the NBA insider had to reiterate that “Yes, this is real.” As the Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris for a package of Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
The Jazz also received 21-year-old guard Jalen Hood-Schifino in the trade. As well as second-round picks from both the Clippers and Mavericks in the upcoming draft.
Among those to react to the “insane” blockbuster deal was Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, who weighed-in on the move following his club’s 127-108 loss to Portland.
“Insane. It’s crazy, crazy.”
Kevin Durant on mega Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade.
“Players are held to a different standard of loyalty and commitment to a program but the organizations don’t get held to that same standard from the outside.”
On teams following suit before Feb.… pic.twitter.com/DekP4eRN6N
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 2, 2025
“Players are held to a different standard of loyalty and commitment to a program but the organizations don’t get held to that same standard from the outside,” KD said.
“It’s a transactional game, [there’s] a lot of money involved, a lot of business involved. So we shouldn’t be too shocked about trades — players moving to different teams, coaches moving to different teams… It’s just the nature playing basketball and us making this much money,” he continued. “It’s pretty wild times — especially around [the] trade deadline. Everybody will be watching their iPhone, following the updates.”
“This [has] got to be the biggest trade I’ve seen since I’ve been in the league or since I’ve been watching the sport,” Durant admitted. “This is insane. So yeah, every other team might get confidence and say [expletive] it, I’ll trade a few of my top players if this ain’t working.”
It’s hard to recall a time where an NBA team traded a 25-year-old at the top of his game after just coming off a Finals appearance the previous year.
While Luka is currently missing time with a calf injury, he’s gotten off to one of the best starts we’ve ever seen to a basketball career.
Initial reports are that Doncic didn’t ask for the trade and that Dallas’ new GM didn’t care for the five-time All-Star’s conditioning. But he certainly had enough wind to carry the team for the past seven years.
What are your thoughts on the Mavericks trading their Slovenian-born superstar in the heart of his prime?
Related: Mark Cuban Receiving Threats From Fans After Mavericks Trade Luka Doncic