Anthony Davis made a significant sacrifice by forgoing a $6 million bonus as part of the high-profile trade that brought him to the Dallas Mavericks and sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a rare exchange of superstars. This move has stirred strong emotions among fans, with much of the backlash directed at Mavericks' general manager Nico Harrison.
In a recent statement, Davis acknowledged the weight of the trade, recognizing the impact of losing a player of Doncic's caliber. He expressed his commitment to assisting the Mavericks in their pursuit of improvement, emphasizing the importance of contributing positively to the team.
Speaking at a pre-game shootaround in Philadelphia, Davis revealed that he was already dealing with an abdominal injury that had sidelined him during his final days with the Lakers. The injury occurred during a game against the 76ers, the same team he was set to face in his Mavericks debut.
Both Davis and Doncic expressed surprise over the trade, with Davis recounting the unexpected nature of the news and the abruptness of his departure from the Lakers. Doncic, who is recovering from a calf injury, will miss the upcoming game against the Clippers, while Davis aims to return to action soon, potentially in the Mavericks' upcoming games against Boston or Houston.
There is a sense of familiarity for Davis within the Mavericks organization, as he previously worked with head coach Jason Kidd during their championship-winning stint with the Lakers in 2020. Additionally, Davis has a longstanding relationship with Harrison, dating back to his high school days, which has contributed to his optimism about the team's championship prospects.
The trade also reunites Davis with Kyrie Irving, who arrived in Dallas from Brooklyn to partner with Doncic. The duo aims to replicate the success they had envisioned six years ago when they discussed teaming up. Despite the initial shock of the trade, both players are now focused on their new roles and the upcoming season with the Mavericks.
With the trade reshaping the landscape of the NBA, Davis and Irving are poised to lead the Mavericks in their quest for a championship, building on the team's recent Finals appearance. The unexpected trade has set the stage for a new era in Dallas basketball, with fans eagerly anticipating the dynamic partnership between Davis, Irving, and the rest of the Mavericks roster.
