Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks got a shocker of a deal sending him to the Los Angeles Lakers, this just after he reportedly dropped $15 million on a new Dallas home, according to ex-NBA player Chandler Parsons. The move left the 25-year-old superstar in tears, according to Parsons.
On February 2, basketball fans were shocked by the announcement that Doncic would be leaving the Mavericks after seven seasons. The trade sent Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris off to the Lakers in return for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round draft pick in 2029.
Doncic, who became the Mavericks’ leading man after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks in 2018, had formed strong connections with the city of Dallas. He had led the team to its first NBA Finals appearance in 13 years and was widely regarded as the franchise’s cornerstone.
Nico Harrison, the general manager for Dallas, stood by the trade when he spoke to ESPN, citing concerns over the team’s defense and how snagging Davis could really step up their game. Despite this, the fans weren’t buying it. USA Today noted that Doncic hadn’t asked for the trade and was crushed by the news.
Adding insult to injury, Parsons disclosed on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” that just a week before the trade, Doncic had finalized the purchase of a $15 million home in Dallas.
"I'm also not buying that Jason Kidd just didn't know. … Luka Doncic just bought a $15M house, just closed like last week in Dallas. Apparently he cried when he found out. … Jimmy Butler's off the hook a little bit based on this move." – @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/dJfBFUEyKJ
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 3, 2025
“This dude bought a $15 million house, just closed, like, last week in Dallas,” Parsons said. “Apparently, he cried when he found out.”
Lara Beth Seager, Doncic’s business manager, later clarified to The Dallas Morning News that he was in the process of purchasing a home, but the deal had not yet closed. “As Luka said yesterday, he expected to spend his career in Dallas. He had been in the process of purchasing a home in the area for himself and his family,” Seager said, though she did not disclose details about the property.
Property records show that the only Dallas property under Doncic’s name is a four-bedroom house in the upscale Preston Hollow neighborhood, which he bought for $3.3 million in June 2020. Constructed in 1984, the home has been updated with a modern renovation, featuring an open floor plan, hardwood floors, and a sleek kitchen. In a quiet cul-de-sac location, it is a first preference for athletes who seek a private atmosphere.
At least according to property records, Luka hasn't purchased a house recently. Just the $3.7M home he bought in 2020 https://t.co/GfVQPPwAFx
— Andrew Joseph (@AndyJ0seph) February 3, 2025The uncertainty surrounding Doncic’s real estate plans has only fueled speculation about the trade’s abrupt nature. A lot of folks think the Mavericks dropped the ball in communicating their plans, which left Doncic caught off guard.
Parsons was highly critical of the organization, calling their handling of the trade “bad business” and “extreme BS.” He pointed out that Doncic’s commitment to the city was evident in his actions. “It wasn’t a case where Luka was unhappy and wanted out of Dallas. He was invested in the community and the city,” Parsons said.
The frustration extended to Doncic’s father, Sasa Doncic, who voiced his disappointment in an interview with Arena Sport.
I” understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy. You don’t like this or that player, all good—I get it “. he said.
“But I think this secrecy, or maybe even hypocrisy, hurts me personally. Because I think Luka absolutely doesn’t deserve this.”
In a heartfelt farewell message to fans, Doncic shared his love for Dallas and expressed his heartbreak over leaving the team he thought he would retire with.
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level. I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” he wrote. “Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Mark Cuban, who once owned the majority of the Mavericks and now holds a 23% stake, denied having any hand in the trade. Cuban, who once joked he’d rather divorce his wife than see Doncic go, claimed he was in the dark about the deal until it was sealed.
As Luka Dončić starts his new chapter in Los Angeles, there’s still uncertainty about his real estate in Dallas. It’s not known if he’ll sell his Preston Hollow property or go ahead with buying a new home. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, who’s moving to Dallas, has a $31 million pad in California, but it’s still up in the air whether he’ll put it on the market.
Can't spell Luka without LA pic.twitter.com/3bNjnNtnhc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 3, 2025Beyond the transaction, the move is a sign of a growing chasm between player and team affiliation. Doncic’s surprising move is a reminder that, in NBA business, even a pillar of a franchise isn’t exempted from a surprise move.
The trade has had a great impact on Doncic, the Mavericks and their fans who have not yet recovered from losing their favorite super star, as can be seen now that the dust has settled.
