Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)
The NBA world was shaken last February when the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Just a season prior, Doncic had carried Dallas to the NBA Finals, which made the move one of the most shocking trades in recent memory.

Even Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki was blindsided. He admitted he had no clue until the news broke publicly. Speaking in a conversation with Steve Nash, Nowitzki described the trade as something beyond basketball headlines.

“Nobody saw this coming, and this was not just basketball news; this was world news. I was actually traveling somewhere, and this was all over TV. And so I was surprised how big the news was. Yeah, it was a tough, tough decision. I think the club had to make it. And, you know, it’s just happened. I think it’s in the NBA,” Dirk said.

Despite the shock, Nowitzki showed support for both his longtime team and Doncic.

“”And of course, I want to support Luka, but I’m also Maverick for life, you know, so this was a tough decision for me. But I want to keep obviously supporting both. I want to wish Luka, obviously, the best in LA, and I think he’s going to have a great career there. And of course the Mavs moved on and now got the first pick. So I think at this point both sides are moving on and hopefully doing well after,” he added.

Steve Nash Shares His Perspective On The Surprising Luka Doncic Trade

Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)

Former NBA star Steve Nash also admitted that Doncic’s trade to the Lakers came as a complete surprise to the entire basketball community.

“It was a big surprise, I think, for everybody. Fans, general managers, players, everyone was surprised. You know, he’s a historic player. And anytime a player like that moves, you know, it’s shocking. But that’s what sports is. Sports has always got a surprise you don’t think is going to happen. So, you know, it happened,” Nash said.

The Mavericks had seemed set with Doncic leading their future, but the front office made the bold move before he could return fully from injury. Dallas GM Nico Harrison struck the deal with the Lakers.

Now, the Mavs look forward with No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, while Doncic is preparing for his first full season in Los Angeles after undergoing a major body transformation. Both sides have turned the page, but the trade will remain one of the most stunning twists in recent NBA history.