The saga of the Luka Doncić trade just added another intriguing chapter. Against 1.8 percent odds, the Mavericks landed the first overall pick in this year’s draft lottery—almost guaranteeing that they’ll select Cooper Flagg.

This development further fuels speculation that the league orchestrated Luka’s move to the Lakers, aiming to bring the biggest European star to the NBA’s most valuable franchise and boost declining ratings. In return, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis—and now, likely, Cooper Flagg. If Kyrie Irving returns, Dallas is projected to be a serious contender next season.

Now, all eyes are on Giannis. Will he leave the Bucks to join a big-market team. And what about Kevin Durant? Another ring-chasing move seems inevitable.

In a franchise-based league like the NBA, manipulating certain outcomes makes business sense. Higher ratings and sold-out arenas benefit all team owners. When marquee teams like the Knicks and Lakers are in championship contention, it’s more profitable—even for owners of the Bucks, Hornets, or Pelicans—despite the structural disadvantage it creates for small-market teams.

Several referees have come forward after retirement, admitting they were instructed to favor Michael Jordan and the Bulls with calls they wouldn’t have made for other teams. A legendary Jordan dominating the league was worth more to the NBA than a fair competition.

The infamous 1985 draft that sent Patrick Ewing to the Knicks? Widely considered rigged, even if David Stern denied it – just look at the crease on the envelope that was selected.

The league will never admit that Luka was sent to L.A. at its request—or that Dallas was rewarded with the No. 1 pick as compensation. But frankly, that’s the only explanation that makes sense for a lopsided trade that turned Nico Harrison into the laughingstock of NBA fandom.

I’m curious to see how the league plans to revive the Warriors once Father Time finally catches up to Curry and Draymond. Maybe sending Giannis to Golden State is an idea Adam Silver is already considering…

On February 1st, I thought the internet had successfully fooled the mainstream media. When I first read about Luka Doncic being traded to the Lakers, I assumed it was just another troll job that had tricked the entire sports news cycle. But it wasn’t.

Luka was actually traded to the Lakers — in a deal nobody saw coming, and only a few ever thought possible.

The man behind the trade, Nico Harrison, instantly became the most talked-about name in basketball. History will either make him famous or infamous for this decision.

Yesterday, I watched the Mavericks get blown out in the Play-In game against the Grizzlies. A complete disaster. The season is over for Dallas — a team that made the Finals just last year.

Sure, Kyrie was injured. Anthony Davis wasn’t fully healthy. And the Mavs dealt with role player injuries all season long. But even if everyone had stayed healthy, this team wouldn’t have been a legitimate championship contender.

Next season will be make-or-break for Nico Harrison as GM. If this trade turns out to be the disaster most people believe it is, he might never work in the NBA again — and rightfully so.

And even if the Mavericks do become a contender next year, it will still carry a bitter aftertaste. Because Luka Doncic wasn’t just a great player — he was that kind of player. The kind you associate with one team. Like Tim Duncan. Dirk Nowitzki. Stephen Curry. Kobe Bryant. A player you simply can’t picture in a different jersey.

Nico Harrison made the unimaginable a reality — and forced it onto millions of fans.

Some say the league wanted Luka in a Lakers jersey to boost declining ratings. Others claim the Mavericks’ owners want to tank the franchise and move it to Las Vegas. Harrison himself says Luka’s defense and work ethic weren’t championship material. One of his key quotes was: “Defense wins championships.”

Well, I guess we’ll never know what really drove the trade.

But one thing is clear: defense doesn’t win Play-In games — at least not for Dallas.

Let’s see what next season brings, while the NBA and Luka move own to play for the championship 2025… without the Mavericks. And without Nico Harrison.