The Luka Doncic trade might go down as the biggest of Rob Pelinka’s career.
And according to new inside reporting, it really fell into his lap.
However, Pelinka was able to “whittle” down the original demands from the Dallas Mavericks and convinced them they only needed one first-round draft pick.
Speaking with Bill Simmons, via Legion Hoops, Kirk Goldsberry revealed that Pelinka convinced the Mavericks to lighten their demands because Doncic brings “a lot of risk” due to his conditioning problems and love of drinking.
Pelinka capitalized on the concerns Dallas had about Doncic and used that to his advantage, ultimately walking away with a deal that was much friendlier for Los Angeles.
REPORT: The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade originally included multiple firsts and Dalton Knecht, per @kirkgoldsberry
“A deal got whittled down, and I think Rob Pelinka was able to convince the Mavs that Luka is a lot of risk… His drinking, his weight problem…”
(via Bill… pic.twitter.com/QjmmBWvjpx
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 3, 2025
There were many shocking elements about the Doncic trade, but one of the biggest was how little the Lakers gave up.
Yes, they had to part ways with Anthony Davis and Max Christie, but they only gave up a single first-round draft pick.
Apparently, the Mavericks originally desired more, but Pelinka talked them down and said his team was the one taking on the risk because of Doncic’s track record with his physical conditioning.
This news will only upset Dallas fans more.
They are already angry with the front office because they committed this trade.
Dallas came to Los Angeles with the idea, which makes matters even worse.
But the fact that they didn’t get more than Davis, Christie, and a single pick is just salt in the wound for many Mavericks faithful.
This trade will be debated for a very long time, and Dallas fans will not get over it any time soon.
As more news comes out, more anger rises, and the front office will have to do a lot to make things right.
NEXT: Stephen A. Smith Has Honest Admission About Luka Doncic Trade
