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When Nico Harrison pulled the trigger on the unfathomable move that sent Luka and Maxi Kleber to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a single first-round pick, Dallas was less than a year removed from an NBA Finals appearance.
During that 2024 postseason, Luka averaged 28.9 points and 8.1 assists, bringing his career playoff averages to 30.9 and 8.0. He proved, once again, that he was one of the best big-game players in basketball. And unsurprisingly, his impact translated into 2024-25.
Last season, when Dončić was on the floor, the Mavs were a whopping plus-11.3 points per 100 possessions. He was playing with a supporting cast that was tailor-made for him, courtesy of multiple shrewd moves to surround him with shooting and defense.
Had Harrison maintained the philosophy that helped him construct that roster, Dallas would still be a title contender. And he’d likely still be employed by the Mavs.