Dallas Basketball

Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki shocked by Luka Doncic's blockbuster trade to the Lakers

The Mavs' legend was as shocked as anyone else.

Keenan Womack

May 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (right) with former player Dirk Nowitzki against the Phoenix Suns in game seven of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
May 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (right) with former player Dirk Nowitzki against the Phoenix Suns in game seven of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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After the baffling trade that sent Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers for Anthony Davis with a few other pieces exchanged, many people had adverse reactions, including Mavericks' legend Dirk Nowitzki, whose one-emoji reply summed how up all Dallas fans were feeling.

A deal that had no prior or smoke, Dallas' dealing a generational talent for a big man in his 13th season is still sending people reeling. The star guard from Slovenia averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists this past season, which was one rife with injuries and missed stints, but a career marked by immense success in both the stat sheet and win column.

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki and forward Luka Doncic celebrate during the game against the Phoenix Suns.
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki and forward Luka Doncic celebrate during the game against the Phoenix Suns at the American Airlines Center. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

This is something that Nowitzki never experienced, as he spent all 21 of his NBA seasons with the same Dallas franchise, winning a championship in 2011 and an MVP in 2007. While Doncic has not achieved these things quite yet, he was on the cusp of doing both, making his trade to LA even more shocking considering Dallas played in the Finals last summer.

Whether or not the Mavericks recover from this anytime soon remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: this is a truly staggering deal. Even Dirk Nowtizki agrees.

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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