The Dallas Mavericks shocked the entire NBA world earlier this season when they pulled off a late-night trade to send Luka Doncic packing to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Not only did they shock the world by trading Doncic, the return back to the Mavericks was much lower than anyone would have expected.
Granted, Dallas was able to get Anthony Davis from the Lakers. However, the rest of the package was Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. That does not seem to be enough for a generational superstar.
While a lot of time has passed since the trade, it continues to be a major talking point around the NBA.
On Monday, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst spoke out about the trade during a segment on "First Take." He revealed the player the Mavericks should have targeted from Los Angeles for Doncic.
"The Mavericks not getting Austin Reaves in that trade is malpractice," he said emphatically.
"Mavericks not getting Austin Reaves in that trade is MALPRACTICE." -@WindhorstESPN on First Take pic.twitter.com/GqlT2fqqkv
— LakeShowScoop (@LakeShowScoop) April 7, 2025
Looking back at the trade, Dallas acquiring Reaves would have made it look much better. Reaves has gone on to form a legitimate "big three" alongside Doncic and LeBron James. He has been playing like a true star.
Reaves has played in 70 games this season, averaging 20.2 points per game to go along with 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. He has shot 45.8% from the floor and 37.4% from 3-point range.
At just 26 years old, Reaves would have been a major building block and cornerstone for the Mavericks long-term.
Doncic, on the other hand, has gone on to continue playing at an elite level. In the 25 games he has played with the Lakers, he has averaged 27.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
