Breaking: Adam Silver Responds to Mavericks Fans Fury Over Luka Doncic Trade
The sports world is still grasping to make sense of the Dallas Mavericks decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 2.
Doncic, who had just led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, was shipped off for Anthony Davis with his prime still on the horizon at 25-years-old.
As many continue to theorize in pursuit of the reasoning behind unloading a generational talent in what appeared to be a discordant action on behalf of the Dallas front office, NBA commissioner Adam Silver broke the ice on his perspective on Saturday at the NBA All-Star Game.
“In terms of anger at the fanbase, I’m empathetic,” said Silver via Front Office Sports. “I understand it. I mean, Dallas was in the Finals last year.”
Silver also squashed the notion that the trade was made for any outside-party’s incentives.
“Whether or not history will ultimately judge this as a smart trade, they did what they thought was in the best interest of their organization,” he said. “I have absolutely no knowledge or belief there were any ulterior motives.”
The motives in swirling conspiracy theories are that the NBA would have all to gain in moving its best player to its biggest basketball market alongside LeBron James no less.
Silver also addressed another conspiracy that suggests Mavericks ownership is spiting the state of Texas by dismantling the team since the state refuses to budge on legalized sports betting. The speculation claims that the trade is leverage, and if Texas doesn’t comply, a team relocation to Vegas could be on the table.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that the Dumont-Adelson families bought that team to keep it in Dallas. I have no doubt whatsoever that they’re committed to the long-term success of that franchise.”
