On today’s episode, Ryan Eichten and Leo Sun try to figure out why the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic and how it affects the Wolves
On today’s episode, Ryan Eichten and Leo Sun are shocked by the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis among other pieces. Then they discuss the Sacramento Kings sending De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs and how both trades affect the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- The Mavericks trading Dončić might be not just the most shocking trade in NBA history, but one of the most surprising moments in recent sports history. Luka would have thought to be untouchable after taking his team to the NBA Finals nine months ago.
- For the Lakers, this trade is a coup, and immediately changes the direction of their franchise. As LeBron James ages out of the league, the Lakers have now found a young superstar to lead their franchise for the next decade.
- In a far less surprising deal, the Kings traded Fox to the Kings, receiving Zach LaVine and three first round picks, including the Wolves’ 2031 unprotencted pick. After Fox requested a trade, this Kings were forced to their long-time franchise star and did their best to recoup value.
- The Spurs now get to pair Fox with their generational center in Victor Wembanyama. The two seem like a great fit together as San Antonio continues building for the future with their 21-year-old All-Star.
- in the short term, these trades do not hurt the Wolves and may end up helping them. Many of the rosters involved in these trades are now in flux and may end up falling down the standings. It is still uncertain when Dončić will return for the Lakers, the Mavs entire organization has been thrown for a loop, the Kings are much less talented now, and while the Spurs got better, they are still 4.5 games back of the Wolves.
- In the long term, the Lakers and Spurs are the obvious winners as both franchises seem well positioned to compete to win the Western Coneference for the next few years or more. On the flip side, the path forward is a lot less certain for the Mavericks and Kings.
- Overshadowed in all of the trade hooplay was the Wolves losing to the Wahsington Wizards. Losing to the Wizards is brutal no matter how it happens, but given the Wolves were missing their top four scorers in the second half, the game is not reason to think the sky is falling in Minnesota.