Some of the Knicks’ biggest stars could hardly wrap their heads around Sunday morning’s blockbuster trade that saw Luka Doncic dealt to the Lakers and Anthony Davis land with the Mavericks.
Not long after the Knicks’ 128-112 home loss to the Lakers at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart took to X as the stunning news spread around the league.
“April fools right?” wrote Brunson, who began his career with the Mavericks in 2018.
Hart summed up his thoughts in one word: “Huh?????”
In addition to Doncic, 25, Los Angeles is receiving Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris as part of the three-team trade, with Dallas acquiring Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.
The Jazz will receive Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and two 2025 second-rounders from the Mavericks and Clippers.
Dallas, currently eighth in the Western Conference at 26-23, opened trade talks with Los Angeles, according to ESPN, noting discussions “began a few days ago.”
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison relayed to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon of what fueled the deal. “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.”
Even with the Mavericks focused on the immediate future with the addition of Davis — who is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists this year — questions are bubbling up as to why Doncic, one of the faces of the franchise, was on the trading block.
According to ESPN, Doncic’s conditioning was a source of discontent.
“There had been significant frustration within the organization about Doncic’s lack of discipline regarding his diet and conditioning,” MacMahon’s report stated, adding his weight reached “the high 260s early this season.”
Doncic, the Mavericks’ third-overall pick 2018, has been out since Christmas due to a calf injury.
Through 22 games this season, the 6-foot-6 point guard is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists.
It isn’t just Hart and Brunson, Doncic’s former Mavericks teammate, who have been trying to digest the “insane” move.
When speaking to reporters Saturday, Suns star Kevin Durant said, “This gotta be the biggest trade I’ve seen since I’ve been in the league or since i’ve been watching the sport, this is insane.”
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m.