The NBA world was turned upside down in the early hours of Saturday morning when news broke of a stunning blockbuster trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers have reportedly sent Anthony Davis, a 2029 first-round pick, and Max Christie to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
This trade, one of the most significant in NBA history, sent shockwaves through the league, and even some of the biggest stars in basketball were left in disbelief. Among them was Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, whose live reaction during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers quickly went viral.
Durant’s Live Reaction Goes Viral
As the news of the trade surfaced, Durant and his Suns teammates were still in the midst of their game. Courtside footage captured the two-time NBA champion scrolling through his phone while seated on the bench. His initial reaction was one of sheer disbelief. Durant leaned back, eyes wide in shock, staring off into the distance as he processed the magnitude of the deal.
The clip, which quickly spread across social media, showed Durant repeatedly glancing at his phone before passing it along, his expression still one of utter amazement. His teammates, too, seemed visibly stunned, with Mason Plumlee flashing a knowing smile at Durant’s reaction.
Durant Speaks on the “Insane” Trade
After the game, Durant addressed the trade, echoing the sentiments of fans and players alike.
“It’s crazy. It’s crazy… I would have never thought Luka Doncic would get traded at this age, mid-season,” Durant said. “The NBA is a wild place, man. If he can get traded, then anybody’s up for grabs. For the fans, for somebody spectating, it’s pretty fun.”
However, Durant acknowledged that the situation is undoubtedly overwhelming for those directly involved.
“I know it’s kind of nerve-wracking, though, probably for Luka, everybody in Dallas, LA, AD… For everybody involved, I’m sure their heads are spinning right now.”
The Harsh Reality of NBA Transactions
Durant also took the opportunity to highlight the transactional nature of the NBA and the double standards that often exist between players and organizations.
“Players are held to a different standard of loyalty and commitment to a program, but organizations don’t get held to that same standard from the outside world,” Durant remarked. “We all should be held to that same standard. It’s a transactional game, there’s a lot of money involved. We shouldn’t be too shocked about trades.”
His comments resonate deeply within the basketball community, as players are often criticized for leaving teams, while franchises can make major decisions without warning.
Impact on the League and the Trade Deadline
With the trade deadline fast approaching, Durant speculated that this monumental deal could embolden other teams to make bold moves.
“(If) you start seeing stuff like that, as an organization, you might get a little bit more courage to do some stuff when you see another team trade away somebody like that,” Durant noted.
He emphasized just how unprecedented this move was, calling it the biggest trade he has ever witnessed.
“This has to be the biggest trade I’ve seen since I’ve been in the league or since I’ve been watching the sport. This is insane. So yeah, every other team might get the confidence to say: ‘I’ll trade my top players, a few of my top players, f*** it, if this ain’t working… I’m still shocked.'”
What’s Next for the Lakers and Mavericks?
The trade dramatically reshapes both the Lakers and the Mavericks, with both teams taking massive risks in pursuit of championship aspirations. The Lakers now have a new franchise cornerstone in Doncic, whose youth and superstar talent make him one of the most valuable players in the league. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are betting on Davis to pair with Kyrie Irving, hoping the duo can propel them into title contention.
With this trade setting the stage for one of the most unpredictable trade deadlines in recent memory, all eyes will be on the NBA’s front offices as the league braces for further shakeups. One thing is for sure—Kevin Durant is not the only one left stunned by this bombshell move.
