Your complete basketball world remains to be processing the current flip of occasions that has taken place.
In what’s undoubtedly essentially the most stunning commerce in NBA historical past, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round choose in a three-team blockbuster deal alongside the Utah Jazz.
It was a significant resolution pulled by the Mavericks, buying and selling away their 25-year-old franchise cornerstone and generational expertise.
Even Lakers basic supervisor Rob Pelinka couldn’t consider that the Mavericks themselves had reached out in an effort to commerce the Slovenian megastar.
Doncic’s commerce to Los Angeles was completely sudden throughout the NBA, even inside the Mavericks group.
Behind the scenes, basic supervisor Nico Harrison pulled the set off, with even franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki providing a crushing social media response.
PJ Washington was one other who was additionally shocked at how issues unfolded.
Washington arrived in Dallas again in 2023-24 midseason. After enduring mediocrity for many of his profession with the Charlotte Hornets, the ahead savored immediate success by way of Doncic’s management on the Mavericks, through which they ultimately reached final yr’s NBA Finals.
Following Dallas’ 144-101 brutal loss in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, Washington candidly reacted to the most important commerce.
Washington admitted that like anyone else, he’s merely shocked by what occurred. However regardless, he’s additionally excited to share the courtroom with each Davis and Max Christie.
“It stunned me, for certain. I used to be shocked,” Washington mentioned of Doncic.
“I simply want him the very best. Clearly, he’s one in all our brothers & we went by way of the battles & fires with him. On this enterprise, it’s a part of it.
“Positively sucks to see him depart, however excited for him & additionally excited to get a man like Anthony Davis and Max Christie.”
Because the commerce lastly grew to become official, Luka Doncic lastly broke his silence. He’s merely grateful for the journey that he had whereas carrying a Mavericks uniform.
On Sunday, the famous person posted an emotional message for the Mavericks franchise and Dallas followers — a crushing goodbye, after what they’ve shared over the previous seven years.
The letter states: “Seven years in the past, I got here right here as a youngster to pursue my dream of taking part in basketball on the highest degree. I believed I’d spend my profession right here and I needed so badly to convey you a championship. The love and help you all have given me is greater than I might have ever dreamed of. For a younger child from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the primary time, you made North Texas really feel like house.
“In good occasions and dangerous, from accidents to the NBA Finals, your help by no means modified. Thanks not just for sharing my pleasure in our greatest moments, but additionally for lifting me up once I wanted it most.
“To all of the organizations I’ve labored with all through the Dallas group, thanks for letting me contribute to your vital work and be a part of you in bringing gentle to those that want it. As I begin the following a part of my basketball journey, I’m leaving a metropolis that can all the time really feel like a house away from house.
“Dallas is a particular place, and Mavs followers are particular followers. Thanks, from the underside of my coronary heart.”
Each single particular person affiliated with Dallas will nonetheless be feeling gut-wrenching realization that Doncic will not be a Maverick anymore.
