Home » Adam Silver understands reactions behind Luka Doncic trade

Adam Silver understands reactions behind Luka Doncic trade

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver understands the negative reactions surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ unexpected trade of Luka Doncic.

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“No ulterior motives”

Dallas traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in a shocking blockbuster move two weeks ago.

Other than the general managers of both teams — Nico Harrison in Dallas and Rob Pelinka in Los Angeles — everyone else had no clue about the deal.

Even the commissioner himself expressed surprise when Dallas traded Doncic to the Lakers.

Speaking during the news conference before All-Star Saturday night festivities at Chase Center, Silver assured that the Mavs’ front office had no “ulterior motives” behind the trade.

“I have absolutely no knowledge or belief there were any ulterior motives,” Silver said.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the Dumont and 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.”

Silver understands anger at Doncic trade

While Lakers fans celebrated Dončić’s arrival in Los Angeles, Mavs supporters fumed as they watched their superstar traded away just after leading the team to the 2024 NBA Finals.

Silver said he empathetic to Mavericks fans about the deal, but he also believes Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont deserve the benefit of the doubt.

“In terms of anger with the fan base, I’m empathetic,” Silver said.

“I understand it. Dallas was in the Finals last year. I’ve already said this before: I like Luka very much. … It seems genuinely, truly authentic that he was stunned and disappointed. You could see it in his body language.”

“Having said all that, I also am sympathetic to the Mavericks organization. I’ve known Nico Harrison for a long time from his prior tenure at Nike, and I’ve gotten to be close to Patrick Dumont, our new governor in Dallas. I can say one thing for sure: 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.”