Part 3/10:
Nichols speculated that several underlying factors may have contributed to the Mavericks' decision to trade Dončić. Conditioning issues and a possible lack of commitment from the star player have reportedly been points of contention. Reports indicated that Dončić’s weight was approximately 260 pounds—nearly 20 pounds overweight—which led to several soft tissue injuries, raising concerns about his long-term availability. Additionally, internal frustrations regarding his behavior on the court, such as arguing with officials, might have played a role in management's decision-making process.