Seems like everybody has been blaming the wrong man for the Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic trade.

Luka Doncic (Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images) Jeanie Buss (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss recently revealed how perfectly and secretly the blockbuster took place, all in her strict supervision.

Buss knew the potential outcome if the trade was discussed open and flat. Nobody in their wildest dream has ever thought of the Mavs trading Doncic. And it really hit everybody so damn hard that Nico Harrison is still bearing the aftermath of the trade. However, after the Lakers handed the Minnesota Timberwolves a 111-102 defeat, Buss opened up a little too much.

“It was really important to me that we didn’t blow up the team. If it had leaked out and the trade hadn’t happened, that would be really unfair to the progress that the coaching staff had made with the team. Because it’s a huge distraction,” the Lakers owner said.

As per reports, the Mavericks GM, Harrison was the first mover who approached the Lakers GM Rob Pelinka. It took them a couple of weeks to negotiate terms. And one of the most hyped-up trades in the NBA’s history finally took place.

“The trade deadline is part of the business. It increases the level of stress for everybody. And I’m really proud that it didn’t leak out and that we were able to execute the trade in a way that still was surprising to all the parties involved. But that goes with this business,” Buss added.

While the Lakers owner seemed relatively happier that everything worked according to her, the Dallas fans remain unconvinced about the trade.

Mavericks First Approached Timberwolves For Luka Doncic Trade

The Lakers kept their pursuit of Luka Doncic top secret until they fully promised that the trade would take place. However, a report recently revealed that the Mavericks reportedly explored the blockbuster trade that would have sent Doncic to the Timberwolves.

The team was exploring to ship the star Slovenian in exchange for rising star Anthony Edwards. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Mavericks, Harrison reached out to Minnesota with Doncic’s offer. However, the Timberwolves swiftly shot down the idea. And it left them astounded that Dallas was even considering parting ways with a talent like Doncic.

“The Mavericks and Timberwolves informally discussed the prospect of swapping Doncic for Anthony Edwards in the weeks before the Lakers deal went down. More specifically, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison reached out to the Timberwolves. And asked if there was any chance they’d be willing to trade Edwards. He was promptly told no. The Timberwolves, league sources say, were stunned that Dallas was contemplating parting ways with Doncic,” Amick said.

This potential trade was intriguing not only because of the talent involved but also due to the financial implications for Dallas. Doncic is poised to sign a massive five-year, $345 million contract this summer. While Edwards, in his first year of a five-year, $244.6 million deal, would have provided a more manageable salary situation for the Mavericks.

Nonetheless, Minnesota’s firm rejection opened the door for Harrison to pursue a different route. And it ultimately led to the acquisition of Anthony Davis from the Lakers.