Mavericks GM discusses 'tough decision' to trade young superstar Luka Dončić

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The Dallas Mavericks did the unthinkable overnight by trading Luka Dončić.

It's perhaps the most stunning trade in NBA, and maybe sports, history – there had been no rumors about this at all, and Dončić is still just 25 years old and a perennial MVP candidate.

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So, why would the Mavs move on from him? Especially after an NBA Finals appearance.

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Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Thunder during the Western Conference playoffs at Paycom Center on May 9, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Well, general manager Nico Harrison admitted shortly after making the trade that he was concerned about the team's defense, a bugaboo of Dončić's. Trading for Anthony Davis surely helps in that area.

But Dončić is – well, was – a franchise cornerstone. 

"I understand why [fans] would be shocked, initially," Harrison told the Dallas Morning News. 

"But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future. And that’s ultimately the goal and why we’re here. It’s one of those things where it’s my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost."

Aside from the defense though, Dončić would have been in quite a contract battle with the Mavs. His $207 million extension is set to expire this year, and he was due for a supermax that was worth over $340 million. Plus, he was soon able to opt out of any other deals. So, Harrison wanted security.

Luka Dončić of the Mavericks handles the ball against Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on Feb.