The initial reaction of many, especially Mavericks fans, to Dallas's blockbuster trade of superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team deal was shock. Many of those same people were also perplexed at the fact that the Mavericks seemingly eschewed any long-term visions of the future with the 25-year-old Doncic for a more short-term vision with the 31-year-old Davis.

After seven seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, the organization basically shipped star guard Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. But why?

Many were puzzled by what Dallas received in sending its generational superstar to Los Angeles, including longtime NBA executives.