In a recent press conference during the NBA All-Star weekend in San Francisco, Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the unexpected trade of Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. Silver emphasized that the Mavericks’ management acted in what they believed were the team’s best interests, without any hidden agendas. He stated, “I absolutely have no belief or knowledge there were ulterior motives.” Silver also reassured fans about the franchise’s future in Dallas, expressing confidence in the owners’ commitment to the city’s long-term success. The trade has led to significant backlash from Mavericks fans, including protests targeting General Manager Nico Harrison and concerns about a potential relocation to Las Vegas. Compounding the situation, Anthony Davis, acquired in exchange for Dončić, has sustained an injury expected to sideline him for several weeks. Despite these challenges, Silver refrained from second-guessing the trade, suggesting that time will reveal its impact.
SAN FRANCISCO — Adam Silver tried to quell any conspiracy theories about saying Saturday that he had no prior knowledge of the deal while declaring the Mavericks had “no ulterior motives” to unload their franchise player.
“I am sympathetic to the Mavericks organization,” Silver said in his annual All-Star weekend news conference. “I can say one thing for sure — whether or not history will judge this as a smart trade, they did what they thought was in the best interest of the organization. I absolutely have no belief or knowledge there were ulterior motives.
“There’s no doubt in my mind the [Mavericks owners] bought that team to keep it in Dallas. I have no doubt whatsoever they’re committed to the long-term success of that franchise. And in terms of the Dallas fans, all I can tell them is time will tell whether it’s a smart trade. But I think they should believe in their organization.”
