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LOOK: Luka Doncic Spotted With JJ Redick, Rob Pelinka Ahead Of Lakers Extension Renewal 1 Feb 4, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

'It Was Just Such A Shock,' Luka Doncic-Centered Mavericks-Lakers Trade Gets Former Duke Star’s Reaction

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 9:13 AM ET

Many people haven’t moved on from the blockbuster NBA trade that the Dallas Mavericks orchestrated with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the middle of the season, while Luka Doncic was on the sidelines due to a leg injury, the Mavericks traded him for Anthony Davis. Dallas also sent Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles. The Lakers included Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick in the deal.

Luka Doncic was a beloved star player in Dallas. Seeing him go hurt plenty of die-hard Mavericks fans, especially since he led the organization to the Finals in 2024. It was the first time the franchise was back in basketball’s biggest stage since 2011. Fans felt betrayed and heavily criticized the management for their decision.

Even other stars were surprised by what happened. After all, Lukaa Doncic was the Mavs’ franchise star, and no one thought the Texas-based team would be willing to part ways with the Slovenian star.

Fortunately for the Mavs, they have the chance to redeem themselves as they secured the No. 1 pick of the upcoming draft. Their prospect, former Duke star Cooper Flagg, was interviewed on Tuesday, a day before the draft. He revealed his reaction to what the Dallas franchise did ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline.

I remember being with all my guys. That might have been the night that we played UNC at home… I remember my teammate Darren Harris, he was the first one to see it. The Shams post. We just all started going crazy. It was just such a shock. It was crazy news,” Flagg said.

Cooper Flagg on his reaction to the Luka Doncic trade: “That might have been the night we played UNC… We were all hanging out. My teammate Darren Harris was the first one to see the Shams post. We just all started going crazy. It was such a shock.” pic.twitter.com/GhjP9nzkTS

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 24, 2025

Even though many supporters lost faith in the Mavs as a result of the deal, they were still able to get another elite player.

Luka Doncic’s Former Team Dallas Mavericks are rumored to target a 40-year-old veteran star

Spurs' Harrison Barnes Makes Powerful Chris Paul Declaration After Win vs. Jazz -'One of the greatest closures in this game' 3 Nov 16, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Paul (3) passes around Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Mavericks won’t have a starting point guard for a season after Kyrie Irving sustained a torn ACL late in the 2024-25 season. Heading into free agency, the organization is rumored to pursue a veteran guard who will take over the starting spot as Irving recovers from injury. One of their targets is 40-year-old star Chris Paul.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Tuesday about Dallas’ plans.

“The Mavs are expected to open up the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception by signing Irving to this deal,” Charania wrote. “Potential targets for that salary slot would have included Dennis Schroder, D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon, sources said.”

Paul spent the 2024-25 NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs. He appeared in all 82 games and averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists. The 12-time All-Star will enter his 21st season next year and is yet to announce his retirement.

Chris Paul talks to head coach Gregg Popovich on the sidelines during the San Antonio Spurs’ opening day loss vs. Dallas Mavericks.Credit: Getty Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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