Part 2/8:
Internally, the Mavericks believe that trading their star player places them in a better position to contend for a championship. Concerns about Dončić's conditioning and overall professionalism were reportedly part of the calculus in this decision. However, the gravity of trading a player of Dončić's caliber raises questions: will this move pay off, or will it go down in history as a colossal misstep?
Nico Harrison, the team's general manager, faces immense pressure to justify this decision, as the stakes are high. Comparisons have been made to the infamous trade of Michael Jordan by Jerry Krause in the late 1980s. It is considered unthinkable to trade generational talents like Dončić, as he's seen as one of the few untouchable players in the game today.