The Trade That Broke the NBA

If you thought NBA trades couldn’t get any wilder, think again. The Dallas Mavericks just Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a move so ridiculous it feels like someone hit “random” on the NBA 2K trade generator and rolled with it.

The Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick!

Here’s the wildest part, Luka didn’t even request a trade. The Mavericks front office just woke up and decided to self-destruct, unprovoked. Mavs GM Nico Harrison might need a wellness check! Dallas just gave up a 25-year-old generational talent for a (still elite) but aging AD, a role player, and a pick five years from now.

Even Mark Cuban was blindsided. Dallas initially asked for multiple first-round picks and Dalton Knecht, but Lakers GM Rob Pelinka somehow Jedi-mind-tricked them into settling for less by selling the idea that Luka’s a "health risk."

A 25-year-old generational superstar… a risk? I have no words.

LeBron’s Reaction: “I’ve Seen It All… Until This”

While Lakers fans are throwing a championship parade in their heads, LeBron James seems genuinely stunned. Losing Anthony Davis, the guy who helped him secure his fourth ring, wasn’t exactly on his bingo card.

For Bron, this wasn’t just a trade, it was a gut punch. He and AD weren’t just teammates; they were brothers, winning a title together in 2020 and keeping the Lakers relevant through thick and thin.

But here’s the bigger storyline: this signals the first time the Lakers have made a move without putting LeBron’s wishes first. Pelinka and Jeanie Buss were all in on it. JJ Redick got clued in. But Bron? Out of the loop.

Now, LeBron is staying put (he has a no-trade clause), and for the first time ever, he’s got a younger superstar by his side instead of an aging co-star. Is this a passing of the torch? A championship-winning duo? Or a chemistry nightmare waiting to happen?

Sacramento’s Big Gamble

Blockbuster trades are flying left and right, and the latest one might have just changed the Western Conference again.

De’Aaron Fox is officially a San Antonio Spur. Fox wanted San Antonio. And he got exactly what he asked for. But here’s where it gets awkward: Sacramento let go of Tyrese Haliburton because they believed in Fox. Now? They don’t have either.

What was the plan, again?! The Kings bet the house on Fox, trading Haliburton in what they thought was a franchise-altering decision. Now, they’re just hoping LaVine somehow fits into their offense. That’s a brutal turn of events.

But Victor Wembanyama just got a new running mate, and the Spurs are suddenly one of the most exciting teams in the league. Fox’s speed. Wemby’s everything. Must-watch TV.

Lakers Get Luka, But The Vibes Are Complicated

The Lakers should be over the moon. They just landed a 25-year-old MVP-level superstar. Luka Doncic. LeBron James. Austin Reaves. JJ Redick is already cooking up offensive schemes in his head. But for all the excitement, this trade wasn’t just a cause for celebration, it was a reset.

For 47 games, the Lakers had been grinding, tweaking, and figuring things out. And they were close. Then, in one move? Everything changed. Anthony Davis? Gone. Max Christie? Gone. Luka? Not even healthy enough to play yet.

JJ Redick put it best:

Even without AD, even without Luka, the Lakers walked into the Clippers game and dominated. They looked like a team that still believes. There’s excitement. There’s sadness. But one thing is clear, the Lakers aren’t slowing down.

Joel Embiid is Back, But For How Long?

Philadelphia fans held their breath. And then, they exhaled. Joel Embiid is back. And not just back, he dropped a 29-point triple-double in his first game in a month!

But don’t get too excited just yet. After the 118-116 win over Dallas, Embiid admitted that his knee and foot issues aren’t behind him.

That’s… not exactly reassuring. Embiid had already missed 15 straight games before this return. And even he doesn’t know if his body will hold up.

The Sixers are praying he stays healthy. Because with him? They’re dangerous. Without him? Well… we’ve seen that story before.

WNBA

Connecticut Sun Reload with Diamond DeShields

The Connecticut Sun are making big moves ahead of the 2025 season, and the latest addition? Championship experience.

On Monday, the Sun announced they signed veteran guard Diamond DeShields to a one-year contract. DeShields, a 2021 WNBA champion with the Chicago Sky, brings both scoring and leadership to a Sun team that has lost Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, DeWanna Bonner, DiJonai Carrington, and Ty Harris in a chaotic offseason.

DeShields missed the 2023 season due to a knee injury but is now healthy and looking to make an impact. Alongside Tina Charles, the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder, the Sun are hoping to stay competitive despite major roster turnover.

Phoenix Mercury's New Big 3 Takes Shape

If Diana Taurasi returns for her 21st season, Phoenix’s roster could be absolutely stacked. But even if she doesn’t, the Mercury have already formed a powerhouse trio.

With Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Copper, the Mercury just became serious contenders.

Sabally, a two-time All-Star and 2023 All-WNBA First Team selection, joins the team after a massive four-team trade that also landed Thomas in Phoenix.

The Mercury shipped out multiple key players, including Sophie Cunningham, Rebecca Allen, and Natasha Cloud, in order to build this new core. Now, the question is: Is this enough to turn Phoenix into a title threat?

Indiana Fever Keep Stacking Talent with DeWanna Bonner

The Caitlin Clark effect is real, and the Indiana Fever are going all-in.

After showing promise with their young trio of Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever made a major veteran addition by signing six-time WNBA All-Star DeWanna Bonner to a one-year deal.

Bonner, a two-time champion and three-time Sixth Woman of the Year, brings elite playoff experience to a Fever squad looking to make a postseason push.

She spent 10 years in Phoenix before moving to Connecticut in 2020, where she helped lead the Sun to the WNBA Finals in 2022. Now, she joins a Fever team that could be one of the most exciting in the league next season.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you on Wednesday!

— The Players Unlimited Team