The NBA trade deadline has delivered one of the most shocking deals in league history. Luka Dončić is now a Los Angeles Laker. In a move that no one saw coming—not even Dončić himself—the Dallas Mavericks sent their franchise superstar to LA in a blockbuster three-team trade. But that’s just the beginning. The San Antonio Spurs have added De’Aaron Fox, and Jimmy Butler is pushing for a move to the Suns. With the deadline just days away, the NBA landscape is shifting rapidly, and no one is safe. Let’s break down the chaos.
The Trade Heard Around the World
Just two days ago, we witnessed what could be the biggest blockbuster trade in NBA history. A stunning three-team deal involving the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz sent shockwaves through the league. And the most surprising part? LeBron James had no say in it.
The trade sent Anthony Davis, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, Kleber (who was later rerouted), and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick. Meanwhile, the Jazz facilitated the salary movement and received Jalen Hood-Schifino and two 2025 second-round picks in return.
This move has the potential to reshape how teams approach trading franchise stars. Let’s break down why this deal happened and what it means for the future of the NBA.
Luka Dončić: Gone Without Warning
This trade came out of nowhere. Most NBA executives had no idea Dončić was even available, and the Mavericks never informed him of the move beforehand. One executive, when asked what he would have offered had he known Luka was on the table, simply said:
“Everything.”
Dallas had reportedly grown concerned about Dončić’s conditioning and weight, rumored to be hovering around 250+ pounds. Additionally, he was set to become eligible for a four-year, $340M+ supermax extension this offseason. Given these factors, the Mavs weren’t fully committed to keeping him long-term.
It’s a shocking turn of events, especially considering former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban once famously said he’d rather divorce his wife than lose Luka. Fast forward a couple of years—Cuban has sold his majority stake, and Dončić is now a Laker.
Did Dallas Sell Too Low?
For a player of Dončić’s caliber, Dallas should have sparked the biggest bidding war in NBA history. Instead, they settled for a package headlined by Anthony Davis, a 31-year-old superstar with a history of injuries.
Consider what the Brooklyn Nets received for Kevin Durant last season:
• Mikal Bridges
• Cam Johnson
• Four first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029)
• A 2028 first-round pick swap
That’s the kind of return Dallas should have received. Instead, they walked away with Davis, Kleber, and Morris—solid players, but nowhere near the value of a generational superstar like Luka.
Dallas gets a D- grade for this trade. They still have a foundation to build around, but they left far too much value on the table. One phone call to each NBA executive could have set off an all-out bidding war. But maybe, just maybe, Dallas saw something in Luka’s rehab that we don’t know about.
Regardless, this will go down as one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. Even athletes from other sports were stunned.
LeBron James himself learned about the trade while out to dinner with his family. According to ESPN sources, he was shocked and blindsided, having no clue it was even being discussed.
Adding to the drama, the Mavericks took nearly a full day to post a farewell tribute to Dončić. Fans in Dallas now face a tough choice: stay loyal to the star who gave them everything, or support a franchise that just shipped him out without a fight.
How This Trade Changes the Deadline
With Dončić moved in such an unexpected way, no one is safe. More teams may now be willing to shop their franchise players, knowing that even a megastar like Luka can be traded in the blink of an eye.
San Antonio’s Big 3 Is Officially Here
For weeks, rumors swirled that the Sacramento Kings were open to trading De’Aaron Fox. Now, they’ve made it official, shipping Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in a three-team trade that dramatically alters the Western Conference landscape.
Full Trade Details:
Spurs receive:
• De’Aaron Fox
• Jordan McLaughlin
Kings receive:
• Zach LaVine
• Sidy Cissoko
• Three first-round picks (2025 CHA, 2027 SAS, 2031 MIN)
• Three second-round picks (2025 CHI, 2028 DEN, 2028 SAC)
Bulls receive:
• Zach Collins
• Tre Jones
• Kevin Huerter
• 2025 first-round pick (via SAS, originally from CHI)
This trade immediately transforms the Spurs from a fringe playoff team into a legitimate contender. Adding Fox alongside Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama gives San Antonio an elite combination of playmaking, scoring, and defense.
For the Kings, this move signals the start of a retooling phase. With extra picks and young assets, Sacramento appears to be shifting toward a long-term rebuild. Meanwhile, the Bulls walk away with solid depth and future assets, making this a win-win-win trade.
It will be fascinating to see how Fox meshes with Wembanyama, and there’s no doubt that San Antonio just became must-watch TV.
Jimmy Butler Shuts Down the Warriors
Another major storyline to watch: Jimmy Butler has reportedly rejected a contract extension from the Golden State Warriors, effectively signaling that he wants a trade—specifically to the Phoenix Suns.
The problem? Miami doesn’t want Bradley Beal in return.
Beal’s contract is massive, and the Heat have no interest in taking it on. To make this deal happen, Phoenix will need to include more assets. A player like Grayson Allen or Ryan Dunn may have to be moved, but the Suns are hesitant.
With the trade deadline just days away, this saga is one to keep an eye on. If the Suns can pull it off, Butler instantly turns them into a title favorite.
And honestly, after the Lakers landed Luka for what feels like pocket change, Phoenix needs to get this done.
Trade Deadline Rumors & Updates
This section will be continuously updated with the latest rumors and trades leading up to the deadline.
Trade Deadline: Thursday, February 6, 2025 – 3 PM EST
2/5/25 – 1:08 PM ET – On NBA Today, Shams from ESPN reported that Kevin Durant has no desire in a return to Golden State.
Final Thoughts
This NBA trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the wildest in history. Luka Dončić to the Lakers. De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs. And Jimmy Butler forcing his way to Phoenix?
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