On Feb. 2, a little past midnight, news dropped that the Dallas Mavericks traded Slovenian superstar Luka Dončić for Los Angeles Lakers veteran Anthony Davis.
The trade shocked the sports world, as Dončić is considered one of the best basketball players in the league while Davis is injury-prone and six years older. Commentators, media and fans can’t wrap their heads around the Mavs’ logic, and even with WSN boasting some of the best sports analysts in the world, the newsroom can’t get to the bottom of the deal — but they do have some thoughts to share.
“Man, I fell to my knees and let out a guttural yell. There’s no way they traded THE Luka Dončić, like wasn’t he supposed to get a statue? Something suspicious is happening behind the scenes to trade a pivotal figure like Dončić. I’m glad I’m not in Dallas anymore, or else the depression in the environment would have consumed me.”
— Leila Olukoga, Deputy Opinion Editor
“I saw this TikTok that said this trade was like if prime One Direction traded Harry Styles for Kevin Jonas. I love Kevin Jonas, but One Direction is perfect… therefore, I am sorry.”
— Isabella D’Erasmo, Deputy Managing Editor
“It is a major risk for the Mavericks, but defense wins championships. Luka is one of the most talented scorers in the NBA, but he might not be a top-five defender in the WSN office. LeBron should demand a trade. Knicks, please pick up the phone.”
— Matthew Singh, Deputy Sports Editor
“Say what you will about Mark Cuban, but he NEVER would have let this happen. Nothing about this move makes any sense for the Mavericks, and days later, I am still confused. As a life-long Lakers hater, I am devastated.”
— Ella Sabrina Malabanan, Deputy Copy Chief
“This is giving Louisiana Purchase of 1803.”
— Krish Dev, Director of Creative & Digital Strategy
“A moment that I will forever remember where I was: in the middle of the dance floor with my friends, who looked on confused as I started freaking out. I still can’t believe the Mavs made this move, but I think this will offer one of the most exciting futures for the NBA in a while. At least Luka didn’t go to the Celtics.”
— Maggie Turner, Deputy Under the Arch Editor
“I don’t know who this man is.”
— Alisia Houghtaling, Multimedia Editor
“Despite the assumptions you may make on behalf of my job title, I don’t necessarily care about the corporation of professional basketball. Well, don’t get me started on the WNBA actually…”
— Levi Langley, Deputy Sports Editor
“As a Los Angeles native, I’m excited to see how this trade will impact the rest of the Lakers’ season. Also interesting is the dynamic between Luka and LeBron, both on and off the court. What strikes me most, though, is the ensuing cultural phenomenon — never have I ever seen so much impassioned fervor emanating from so many straight men’s Instagram stories.”
— Lauren Ng, Culture Editor
“I feel bad that LeBron is losing his BFF to Dallas and genuinely can’t grasp Dončić leaving — I called my dad to tell him I thought a Mavs exec was being blackmailed. Also confused how the Jazz snuck into the biggest deal in basketball.”
— Sidney Snider, Sports Editor
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