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Dallas’s front office, led by GM Nico Harrison, believed that defense is critical to winning championships. They struggled with the notion that they could contend with Dončić's defensive liabilities, prompting a crucial question: was this trade actually about his defensive prowess, or was it merely a smokescreen for more significant concerns?
If the Mavericks were serious about enhancing their defense, they could have built a stronger unit to support Dončić. Instead, they opted for a dramatic trade, suggesting there were underlying fears about Dončić's commitment to conditioning and longevity in a demanding league. The specter of him walking away for nothing in 2026 pushed Dallas to act decisively, fearing an outcome similar to that of the Cleveland Cavaliers when LeBron James left in 2010.