Anthony Davis: The Blockbuster Trade That Shocked the NBA World
Introduction: A Trade That Changed Everything
In February 2025, Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, in what was regarded as one of the most unexpected trades in American sports history. The Lakers sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in a three-team deal that also includes the Utah Jazz. This blockbuster move sent shockwaves through the basketball world and continues to generate intense debate about its long-term implications for both franchises.
The Unexpected Nature of the Deal
There was no prior indication that either team was looking to move an All-Star. NBA reporter Marc Stein reported that Dončić did not request a trade and it was in fact the Mavericks who approached the Lakers about the league-altering deal. Initial news of the trade was so jarring that many speculated Charania’s account could have been hacked, but reporters from both The Los Angeles Times and The Dallas Morning News quickly confirmed it. The trade was regarded as one of the most significant and unexpected in NBA history, marking the first time two reigning All-NBA players were traded for each other midseason.
Davis’s Performance with the Mavericks
On February 8, Davis made his Mavericks debut, putting up 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in a 116–105 win over the Houston Rockets. He also joined Dončić and Michael Finley as the only players to put up at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a half in Mavericks franchise history. However, injury concerns persist. Davis will not return to Thursday’s game against the Warriors due to groin tightness. Despite health challenges, Davis is still putting up monster numbers as he averages 19.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game.
The Road Ahead
League sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons are expected to be in that group of teams interested in potentially trading for Davis. The Mavericks are now expected to work with Anthony Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, over the next few months “as they decide whether to pursue an in-season trade,” according to longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein. However, one Western Conference official told Stein that “Davis will need weeks of sustained good play without injury interruption to convince teams to make representative offers for the 32-year-old closer to the trade deadline.” For basketball fans and NBA observers, Davis’s situation represents one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 season, with significant implications for championship contention and the future landscape of the league.