Part 2/8:
When the news broke, many initially believed it to be a hack or an absurd rumor, propagating wild conspiracy theories about the motivations behind the trade. Analysts voiced similar sentiments, noting the lack of any prior indication that Dončić would be available. The disbelief was palpable, with experts debating whether the trade could truly go through given the Dallas Mavericks’ previous stance on their star player.
"You would think we’d see something coming; the report came out of nowhere," remarked one analyst. After further reflection, many came to the realization that this trade stands as a unique event in NBA history, akin to legendary trades like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers or Bob McAdoo leaving the Buffalo Braves.