Part 5/11:
However, what truly destabilized the situation was the way the trade was handled, particularly the decision to keep it under wraps—a "pocket listing" approach. Unlike typical high-stakes trades that involve comprehensive negotiations, including draft picks, swaps, and multiple team discussions, the Mavericks opted for secrecy. These behind-the-scenes negotiations limited the potential for competing offers from other NBA franchises, ultimately undervaluing Dončić and reducing the trade's financial and strategic value.