Stunner in Big D! Tim Bontemps Reveals the Unlikely Winner of Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis Trade
The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade was one of the most surprising trades in NBA history.
This trade was part of a three-team deal that involved Doncic, Markieff Morris, and Maxi Kleber going to the Lakers. Meanwhile, Davis, Max Christie, and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick went to the Mavericks, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, the LA Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick, along with the Mavericks’ 2025 second-round selection, went to the Utah Jazz.
Since the trade was announced, many have been debating who the real winner of the deal is. Some believe the Lakers won the trade by acquiring a superstar in Dončić, who is only 25 years old. Others argue that the Mavericks are the true winners, as the addition of Davis positions them for immediate success. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith even stated that he believes the Mavericks became the best team in the Western Conference following the trade.
On “The Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps revealed that he believes there is an unlikely winner in Dallas.
“There’s one winner in Dallas right now and it’s Kyrie Irving,” Bontemps said. “Who now has maximum leverage to get a gigantic contract this summer and is quite clearly the guy totally running the ship with the Mavs. You’re right, MacMahon, he’s been a big presence in the locker room since he got there, but it’s his show now.”
Irving is averaging 24.2 points, 4.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game this season. He is shooting 47.4% from the field and 40.4% from three-point range. According to Bontemps, Irving has the upper hand in his situation because he holds a player option for next season, allowing him to opt out and potentially seek opportunities elsewhere. This gives him leverage in contract negotiations once the season concludes.
Now, Irving must take the lead for the Mavericks without his co-star, Davis, who is sidelined for multiple weeks due to an adductor injury he sustained in his first game with Dallas against the Houston Rockets. Prior to his injury, Davis was having an impressive game, contributing 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks before leaving with under two minutes left in the third quarter.
The hope is that Davis can return before the playoffs, giving the Mavericks a chance to make a postseason run and demonstrating that they made the right decision by trading for him.
