Los Angeles Lakers Trade Talks Deliberately Excluded Important Mavericks Piece

The trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers has understandably generated a mixed reaction in Dallas. While the acquisition of Anthony Davis represents a significant addition to the Mavericks’ roster, the loss of Dončić, arguably the most beloved and talented player in franchise history, has left a palpable sense of disappointment among fans and likely within the organization itself.

The impact of this trade extends beyond the fan base. Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd will inevitably be tasked with publicly supporting the team’s decision, despite the evident shock and disbelief surrounding the trade.

Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks Mum On Huge Trade

NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In a recent interview, Nico Harrison, the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, provided intriguing insights into the circumstances surrounding the team’s blockbuster trade. During the interview, Harrison was asked whether the Mavericks had engaged in trade discussions with any other teams besides the Lakers. While he did not explicitly answer the question, Harrison’s response contained several noteworthy statements that are sure to fuel further speculation.

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Harrison provided further details regarding the trade. In a surprising revelation, Harrison confirmed that the Lakers were the only team the Mavericks engaged in trade discussions with and that these discussions had been ongoing for several weeks.

Jason Kidd Even Kept In The Dark

“Trades don’t happen at the smallest level without stuff getting out,” Harrison stated. “Rob Pelinka and I were able to have really intense conversations over the course of three or four weeks.” This revelation underscores the clandestine nature of the negotiations, which seemingly took place without the knowledge of many within the NBA, including Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. Harrison explicitly stated that Kidd was not involved in any of the trade discussions.

“We kept it between us. We had to keep it tight. J-Kidd didn’t even know about it,” Harrison said. “But J-Kidd and I are aligned, and we talk about archetypes, and we talk about the culture we want to create. So I know the type of players that he likes without actually talking to him.”

Despite his apparent exclusion from the trade discussions, Kidd has demonstrated commendable professionalism, publicly supporting Harrison’s decision.

“As Nico brought up, we are aligned,” Kidd said on Sunday afternoon, per Brad Townsend of Dallas Morning News. “When you look at the vision of the team and what Nico wants to build, I truly support that.”

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