Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic snubs Mavericks in farewell post to Dallas fans after shocking trade

Doncic is out with a calf injury but has an average of 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game in 22 games.

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The NBA world was taken aback with one of the most shocking trades on Saturday night, when five-time NBA All-Star Luka Doncic moved to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-way deal.

The deal involves Lakers’ star forward Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick moving to the Mavs. The deal will also include Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris making their way to the Lakers. Notably, Doncic spent the first seven years of his NBA career with Dallas after he was initially drafted by the Hawks with the third overall pick in 2018.

The three-way deal also includes the Utah Jazz, who will get the Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino as well as two second-round picks in this season.

The deal was confirmed by both the teams where Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said, “Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come.” “His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team,” he added.

The 25-year-old is out of action since Christmas with calf injury but has an average of 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game in 22 fixtures he appeared for the side this season.

Also Read:

Top 5 Biggest Trade in NBA History
De’Aaron Fox Traded to Spurs in Deal Sending Zach LaVine to Kings
LeBron James drops first reaction on Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis blockbuster trade

Davis, on the other hand, missed two last games of the Lakers due to abdominal muscle strain, and is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists per game in 42 games he played with the Lakers.

Luka Doncic shares farewell message for Maverick fans

Following the trade deal, the 25-year-old shared a farewell message for the former team on Instagram, stating that he thought he would spend his entire career here and wanted to win them a championship. However, he expressed his gratitude and thanked the Mavs fans for their support.

The Slovenian said, “Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level. I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

“As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home,” he added.

“Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans.”

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” Doncic concluded.

According to several media reports, Doncic didn’t request a trade.

Anthony Davis

Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.