NBA Insider Exposes Mavericks Secret Plan for Luka Doncic that Proved to be Decisive in His Trade to LA Lakers

NBA Insider Exposes Mavericks Secret Plan for Luka Doncic that Proved to be Decisive in His Trade to LA Lakers
Luka Doncic in the frame

Story Highlights:

Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis.

Luka Doncic now plays for LA Lakers.

Luka Doncic's sudden trade to the LA Lakers came as a massive surprise for the entire NBA world, and despite a considerable time has passed since the transfer took place, it remains the biggest topic of discussion. With the dust settling on the trade, more and more revelations are emerging about the transfer that shook the world. Prior to the move, it was expected that the Mavericks would present Doncic with the supermax extension which was supposed to fetch him $345 million. However, as it turns out they were never going to offer the Slovenian the whopping contract.

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Dallas Mavericks Was Never Going to Offer Luka Doncic With Mega Contract

Luka Doncic had carried an undisputed stature within the Mavericks and his statistics showcase how integral he was to the team. While playing seven seasons with the Mavs, Doncic averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. Thus, a maga extension was in the offing

However, it's abundantly clear now general manager Nico Harrison and the front office had serious misgivings about Dončić's long-term value. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported on Feb. 2 that the franchise was "motivated to move" the 25-year-old and that "there had been significant frustration within the organization about Dončić's lack of discipline regarding his diet and conditioning."

Team governor Patrick Dumont addressed the concerns in an interview with the Dallas Morning News' Brad Townsend.

"If you look at the greats in the league, the people you and I grew up with—[Michael] Jordan, [Larry] Bird, Kobe [Bryant], Shaq [O'Neal]—they worked really hard, every day, with a singular focus to win,” he said. "And if you don't have that, it doesn't work. And if you don't have that, you shouldn't be part of the Dallas Mavericks.

“That's who we want. I'm unwavering on this. The entire organization knows this. This is how I operate outside of basketball. This is the only way to be competitive and win. If you want to take a vacation, don't do it with us."