The Luka Doncic era with the Dallas Mavericks concluded over one year ago, but it’s still a burning topic in Texas. Even with the organization turning to a new page multiple times since Luka’s departure, the question still gets asked.
Would anybody not named Nico Harrison make that deal with the Los Angeles Lakers?
Masai Ujiri was named the new President of Basketball Operations for the Mavericks this week. During his introductory presser, he was asked if he would’ve traded Doncic.
Masai Ujiri Discusses The Luka Doncic Trade Over One Year Later
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 8: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in front of Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on April 8, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
“We have to respect everybody and everything that has happened here. He is a Hall of Fame player. He is gone, and he will always be a Maverick, and we will celebrate him in the best possible way, like we are going to celebrate all the Maverick players and stars that have been here, but we have to move,” Ujiri said of the Lakers star.
“We really have to move on. It’s not for me to start criticizing what anybody else is doing. It’s for me to criticize what I am doing. I am worried about what I am going to do. If I continue to harp on that, and I think all of you are going to be asking what I am doing. I have to look to the future, because winning is what we have to do here. Winning is a responsibility of mine.”
The Doncic era in Los Angeles started in the most shocking way possible. Without a single rumor linked to his name, Doncic was suddenly traded on the night of February 2, 2025. The superstar guard was moved to the Lakers along, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick.
Considering Doncic was happy in Dallas, in his prime with a superstar ceiling, and just led the Mavericks to an NBA Finals one season prior, the deal understandably didn’t sit right with Mavericks fans.
Since then, Doncic went to the Lakers to become a scoring champion again. Meanwhile, the Mavericks cut ties with Davis in less than one season, fired Nico Harrison, and missed the playoffs two seasons in a row without him.
Ujiri Wants To Move On
GettyTORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 2: President of the Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri speaks during media day on October 2, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Doncic still has love for Dallas, but he’s settled with the Lakers. Back in August 2025, Doncic agreed to a three-year extension, worth $165 million.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are going to enter year two of the Cooper Flagg era. Masai Ujiri is taking on the responsibility of building the roster around him. It might take some more time for Dallas fans to move past it, but Ujiri made it clear he won’t continue to entertain the Luka talk unless it involves simply celebrating a former player for the franchise.