Part 4/9:
This trade raises several red flags. The Mavericks appear to have settled for a player who may not match Dončić's upside. Instead of exploring various offers or igniting a bidding war, Harrison moved without consulting his coach or even gauging Dončić's true value. If Luka were truly untouchable, which the public perception strongly supports, why not explore the market for a better deal?
Moreover, Anthony Davis's injury history complicates any assessment of his value. The recent Rudy Gobert trade saw multiple first-round picks and key role players exchanged for a player who, while talented, doesn't have the same status as Dončić. The Mavericks could have leveraged their star player to procure a significantly greater return.