In February of this year, the NBA witnessed an unexpected trade that sent shockwaves through the sports community: Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis moving to the Dallas Mavericks. This blockbuster deal, involving some of the biggest names in basketball, reverberated far beyond the hardwood, impacting fans and athletes alike. Among those deeply affected was NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, whose close ties to Dallas made the news especially jolting.

Mahomes, a devoted Dallas Mavericks supporter and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, recently revealed in an interview with USA Today just how unsettling the Luka Doncic trade shock was for him. The news hit him while he was in bed, leaving him wide awake for hours and even waking his wife, Brittany Mahomes, to share the breaking update.

Patrick Mahomes Opens Up About His Reaction to Luka Doncic Trade

When the trade news broke, Mahomes struggled to process the magnitude of the situation. He described the moment vividly, explaining how he was lying in bed, expecting to sleep, but instead found himself restless after hearing the surprising information. In his own words:

“It took me a while [to process everything]. I was actually at home when the Dončić trade happened in bed like I’m sure a lot of people were, and I remember rolling over and waking my wife up to tell her, like she cared as much as I did. She basically put on a good face for me, but she rolled over, went back to sleep, and it kept me up for a couple hours.” —Patrick Mahomes, NFL Quarterback

Being a native of Tyler, Texas, just a short distance from Dallas, Mahomes has long been a loyal Mavs fan. Since being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft, he has made courtside appearances at Mavericks games, deepening his connection to the team. Doncic’s sudden departure clearly struck a personal chord with him.

Mahomes is far from alone in his disbelief. The trade also stunned NBA icons such as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and LeBron James, who were left speechless by the deal that sent one of the league’s brightest young stars to the Lakers. Dallas fans, meanwhile, expressed outrage toward Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, accusing him of orchestrating the deal secretly and without adequate consultation.

Luka Doncic’s Contract Situation Gives Him Major Advantage Over Lakers

Since joining the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic has rapidly become the centerpiece of the team’s future plans. The February trade repositioned the Lakers’ leadership around Doncic, gradually shifting the spotlight away from veteran star LeBron James. Currently, Luka is entering a critical juncture in his career as he nears eligibility to sign a lucrative contract extension this offseason.

NBA insiders remain divided over what Doncic might decide. While many anticipate a four-year commitment to the Lakers, some analysts predict a shorter deal to allow the option of free agency earlier. ESPN’s Bobby Marks has suggested Doncic could sign a three-year contract and explore free agency the following summer, keeping his career options fluid.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst pointed out an even more flexible scenario, where Doncic might choose not to extend his contract at all this offseason. Under his current agreement, Doncic could play the fourth year of his existing five-year, $215 million contract during the 2025-26 season and then opt out to become a free agent. This potential pathway grants Doncic significant leverage in negotiations and ensures he maintains control over his career trajectory.

Despite this leverage, most analysts expect Doncic to remain committed to leading the Lakers forward by signing an extension soon. However, the unfolding contract talks will be a critical storyline to watch in the coming months.

Concerns Arise Over Possible Luka Doncic-Nikola Jokic Partnership Threat

The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic was intended to secure the franchise’s competitiveness for years ahead. Yet the 2024-25 NBA season ended in disappointment as the team was eliminated in the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, one of their Western Conference rivals. This underwhelming outcome has fueled speculation about Doncic’s long-term future with the team, especially since he has yet to commit to a contract extension.

Adding to the uncertainty, a Western Conference executive recently issued a warning about a potential reunion between Doncic and Nikola Jokic, who currently stars for the Denver Nuggets. Such a reunion could pose a serious challenge for the Lakers if Doncic chooses to leave Los Angeles and reunite with Jokic, his former teammate and close friend.

“The Lakers have to be careful Luka just got his b*tt kicked by a team he handled easily last year, and now they’re telling him to wait another year before he can really compete. If Denver wins it all or comes close while Rob [Pelinka] makes it clear he doesn’t believe in Luka and LeBron as a combo, they could be a real threat for him this next season or two.” —Western Conference Executive

Doncic’s individual performance during his first season with the Lakers was outstanding, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, while shooting 37.9% from three-point range and 43.8% overall. The franchise is expected to hold firm in retaining their star player, as losing him would not only weaken their roster but also potentially strengthen a key rival. No NBA team would welcome the threat of a Doncic-Jokic duo dominating the league once again.

The Wider Impact and What Lies Ahead

The Luka Doncic trade shock has resonated deeply across both the NBA and broader sports communities, affecting fans, players, and executives alike. For Patrick Mahomes and many Dallas faithful, it was a moment of disbelief and heartbreak. For the Lakers, securing Doncic represents a clear commitment to building around a young superstar, although questions about his contract and future loyalty persist. The possibility of a Doncic-Jokic partnership adds an additional layer of complexity and intrigue to upcoming seasons.

As contract negotiations unfold and the Lakers prepare to regroup after a playoff exit, all eyes will remain on Luka Doncic. His decisions in the coming months could reshape the NBA landscape, influence rivalries, and determine the trajectory of multiple franchises. For now, the shockwaves from this trade continue to ripple, keeping fans and insiders alike on edge about the league’s evolving future.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Luka Doncic a millionaire?

A. As of 2025, Luka Doncic’s net worth is about $75 million, based on information from Celebrity Net Worth.

Q. Are Luka Doncic and Bad Bunny friends?

A. DALLAS — The friendship has lasted for years, and this year’s Spotify Artist of the Year released a new song that mentions Mavs player Luka Dončić.