Part 4/9:
The shock of a player of Dončić's stature being traded is compounded by his age and talent. At just 25 years old, he was poised to enter his prime, making this trade appear even more questionable. Historically, teams that possess transcendent stars like Dončić are reluctant to part ways unless the player himself pushes for a trade. The panel speculated whether that scenario occurred, but reports suggested the trade was initiated by the Mavericks without any such push from Dončić.
Mahoney argued, “I am as stunned as anybody and I don't think there is any justifiable explanation for trading a player as good as Luka right now unless he has come to the Mavs and said I don't want to be here anymore.” This uncertainty loomed large over the conversation.