Another excruciating detail of the Luka Doncic trade has been finalized

The Dallas Mavericks shockingly traded Luka Doncic for an underwhelming return and just gave up the 43rd pick in the 2025 draft, which turned into Jamir Watkins, to make the math work. The deal helped Dallas luck into Cooper Flagg, but giving up a superstar and draft capital is the perfect way to regret a trade for years to come.

Luka wanted to be a lifer with the Mavericks and is motivated to prove Nico Harrison wrong. Fans have still not seen the best from the 26-year-old, and Dallas fans may suffer significantly more pain at the hands of number 77.

This deal came out of nowhere as Harrison refused to involve other teams. He wanted to trade Luka and targeted Anthony Davis. The two sides made the deal, and Rob Pelinka unquestionably fleeced Harrison and the Mavs in this one.

Mavericks just gave up a draft pick as part of the Luka Doncic trade

The Lakers and Mavs needed a third team in the trade to satisfy the CBA. Utah was happy to make it happen for two second-round draft picks. Dallas gave up the 43rd pick with LA parting with number 53 in the 2025 draft. Here are the full updated details of the trade with the players inserted for the draft selections.

• Lakers received: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
• Mavericks received: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 1st round pick
• Jazz received: Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jamir Watkins, John Tonje

The Mavs do not land Cooper Flagg without this trade. Fans are still feeling the pain of Luka’s departure. It hurt worse watching him go to the hated Lakers. Seeing Flagg compared to the best wingman of all time brought out more pain. Supporters shouldn’t forgive Nico Harrison, and they certainly won’t forget.

The Mavs have Anthony Davis to flank Flagg. Kyrie Irving will return at some point during the 2025-26 season, and Dallas could quickly become a contender. The draft selection they gave up in this trade is unlikely to become a key rotation piece on a contender, but it stings giving up a pick in a deal where the franchise sent the best player packing.

The hurt was also worse because Luka led the Mavs to the NBA Finals in 2024. He was traded months later just as it felt like Dallas was fully taking that step into an annual championship threat. Fans will never know if Doncic could have brought the franchise a second championship. Harrison ruined that and broke the hearts of the MFFLs in the process.

The Dallas Mavericks have a bright future with Cooper Flagg. Fans are trying to get over the hurt from the Luka Doncic trade and jump fully back in. It will come in time, and Flagg will bring in new fans just like number 77 did. Things will improve in Dallas, but watching Luka will always be painful, especially if leads the Lakers to a championship. Expect more hurt from this trade for years to come.