{"id":23243,"date":"2025-02-03T03:43:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T03:43:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=23243"},"modified":"2025-02-03T03:43:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T03:43:55","slug":"mavs-gm-explains-luka-anthony-davis-lakers-trade-defense-wins-championships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=23243","title":{"rendered":"Mavs GM Explains Luka, Anthony Davis, Lakers Trade: ‘Defense Wins Championships’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Dallas Mavericks made the shocking decision to trade Luka Don\u010di\u0107 on Saturday, and general manager Nico Harrison said it was for defensive reasons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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ESPN’s\u00a0S<\/a>hams Charania\u00a0broke news of the stunning trade, noting the Mavericks ended up with Anthony Davis, Max Christie and the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick in the three-team deal. Los Angeles landed Don\u010di\u0107, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Utah Jazz got Jalen Hood-Schifino and 2025 second-rounders from the Mavericks and L.A. Clippers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison said of ending up with Davis, per ESPN’s\u00a0Tim MacMahon. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The general manager also provided more insight to the team’s thought process and told\u00a0Brad Townsend\u00a0of the\u00a0Dallas Morning News<\/i>, “I understand why they would be shocked, initially. But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“And that’s ultimately the goal and why we’re here. It’s one of those things where it’s my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Harrison and the Mavericks are not wrong about Davis being a better defensive player than Don\u010di\u0107.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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After all, the big man is a five-time All-Defensive selection who has led the league in blocks per game three times during his career. His ability to play dominant interior defense and protect the rim is one reason he is a surefire future Hall of Famer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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