Part 5/10:
The context surrounding this trade is complicated. The Mavericks had recently featured in the Finals; thus, the idea of trading a franchise player coming off of such success is atypical. Other franchises have previously traded away superstars due to various grievances or impending free agency, but the Mavericks' situation had none of that drama. Dončić was only 25 years old, firmly situated in his prime, and potentially on the cusp of bringing home a championship to Dallas.