Duane Rankin: “Insane. It’s crazy, crazy.” Kevin Durant on mega Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade. “Players are held to a different standard of loyalty and commitment to a program but the organizations don’t get held to that same standard from the outside.” On teams following suit before Feb. 6 trade deadline: “For sure. You start seeing stuff like that, as an organization, you might get a little more courage to do some stuff. You see another team trade away somebody like that. This got to be the biggest trade I’ve seen since I’ve been in the league or since I’ve been watching the sport. This is insane. So yeah, every other team might get confidence and say fuck it, I’ll trade a few of my top players if this ain’t working.” #Suns
Source: Twitter @DuaneRankin
Source: Twitter @DuaneRankin
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
David MacKay @DavidMacKayNBA
Who would have thought that less than one full season after the Mavericks-Timberwolves NBA Finals, both Luka Doncic and Karl-Anthony Towns would get traded for pennies on the dollar. Unbelievable. – 1:39 AM
Who would have thought that less than one full season after the Mavericks-Timberwolves NBA Finals, both Luka Doncic and Karl-Anthony Towns would get traded for pennies on the dollar. Unbelievable. – 1:39 AM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Lakers should trade Reaves, let Luka fill his role, and then go get a good center – 1:39 AM
Lakers should trade Reaves, let Luka fill his role, and then go get a good center – 1:39 AM
Jason Walker @JasonWalkerNBA
If either were being traded, I would have wagered quite a few dollars on Trae moving on before Dallas would trade Luka. – 1:38 AM
If either were being traded, I would have wagered quite a few dollars on Trae moving on before Dallas would trade Luka. – 1:38 AM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
The full details of the Luka-AD trade 🚨
Thoughts? pic.x.com/3498oWloJC – 1:34 AM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Giw0R-_XYAE0YvV.jpg")
The full details of the Luka-AD trade 🚨
Thoughts? pic.x.com/3498oWloJC – 1:34 AM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
JJ Redick’s final game in the NBA was May 11, 2021.
The teammate that took the final shot Redick was on the floor for?
It was Luka Doncic.
And now Redick will become Doncic’s coach. – 1:32 AM
JJ Redick’s final game in the NBA was May 11, 2021.
The teammate that took the final shot Redick was on the floor for?
It was Luka Doncic.
And now Redick will become Doncic’s coach. – 1:32 AM
David Locke @DLocke09
Who would have thought Trae Young lasted longer on the Hawks than Luka Doncic did on the Mavericks – 1:29 AM
Who would have thought Trae Young lasted longer on the Hawks than Luka Doncic did on the Mavericks – 1:29 AM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Sources: On Mavericks initiating talks with Lakers and why a Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade was pulled off. #haynesbriefs pic.x.com/k07Dhd2bvu – 1:27 AM
Sources: On Mavericks initiating talks with Lakers and why a Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis trade was pulled off. #haynesbriefs pic.x.com/k07Dhd2bvu – 1:27 AM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
The “Luka is better than Tatum” crowd must be flabbergasted – 1:24 AM
The “Luka is better than Tatum” crowd must be flabbergasted – 1:24 AM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Shams:
“This deal materialized in the shadows … LeBron James had no idea this was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea this was coming. I’m told Luka Doncic is still stunned about this trade.” – 1:21 AM
Shams:
“This deal materialized in the shadows … LeBron James had no idea this was coming. Anthony Davis had no idea this was coming. I’m told Luka Doncic is still stunned about this trade.” – 1:21 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Since 1975, the Lakers have gone a grand total of seven seasons without a real headliner for their franchise.
Acquiring Luka assures they won’t be adding to that when LeBron retires…if he ever does – 1:19 AM
Since 1975, the Lakers have gone a grand total of seven seasons without a real headliner for their franchise.
Acquiring Luka assures they won’t be adding to that when LeBron retires…if he ever does – 1:19 AM
David MacKay @DavidMacKayNBA
There’s definitely more to this. Luka didn’t want out? He had no idea? LeBron had no idea? At least three of those things are bullshit. – 1:17 AM
There’s definitely more to this. Luka didn’t want out? He had no idea? LeBron had no idea? At least three of those things are bullshit. – 1:17 AM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Luka wasn’t going to play in Boston Thursday in the Finals rematch, but he’ll assuredly be back for the Lakers visit to TD Garden…the Saturday primetime ABC game on Saturday, March 8th.
(Get-in price already $300 for that one…watch that go up tomorrow.) – 1:13 AM
Luka wasn’t going to play in Boston Thursday in the Finals rematch, but he’ll assuredly be back for the Lakers visit to TD Garden…the Saturday primetime ABC game on Saturday, March 8th.
(Get-in price already $300 for that one…watch that go up tomorrow.) – 1:13 AM
Kylen Mills @KylenMills
This is gonna be one of those “where were you when the Luka AD trade broke” moments in a decade. NO ONE saw this coming. Two franchise cornerstones with no leaks about friction with management. #nba – 1:12 AM
This is gonna be one of those “where were you when the Luka AD trade broke” moments in a decade. NO ONE saw this coming. Two franchise cornerstones with no leaks about friction with management. #nba – 1:12 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Shocking trade: Luka Doncic to Lakers for Anthony Davis is league-changing three-team swap
nbcsports.com/nba/news/shock… – 1:11 AM
Shocking trade: Luka Doncic to Lakers for Anthony Davis is league-changing three-team swap
nbcsports.com/nba/news/shock… – 1:11 AM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
LeBron is getting a bonafide BUCKET in Luka Doncic 🏀 pic.x.com/X07Ad75wgD – 1:08 AM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GiwuUN2XIAAti7a.jpg")
LeBron is getting a bonafide BUCKET in Luka Doncic 🏀 pic.x.com/X07Ad75wgD – 1:08 AM
Kylen Mills @KylenMills
So who’s giving up the ball Lebron or Luka?! How in the world is that going to work #lakers #mavs #NBA – 1:07 AM
So who’s giving up the ball Lebron or Luka?! How in the world is that going to work #lakers #mavs #NBA – 1:07 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Building a defense around Reaves Luka and this version of Bron is gonna jack the ratings sky high – 1:05 AM
Building a defense around Reaves Luka and this version of Bron is gonna jack the ratings sky high – 1:05 AM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Here are the contracts going out in the blockbuster AD/Luka trade.
To LA Lakers:
🏀Luka Doncic ($43M, $46M and $48.9M (P))
*⃣He is extension eligible this summer: 5/$229M
🏀Maxi Kleber ($11M and $11M)
🏀Markieff Morris ($2.1M)
To Dallas:
🏀🏀Anthony Davis ($43.2M, $54.1M, – 1:02 AM
Here are the contracts going out in the blockbuster AD/Luka trade.
To LA Lakers:
🏀Luka Doncic ($43M, $46M and $48.9M (P))
*⃣He is extension eligible this summer: 5/$229M
🏀Maxi Kleber ($11M and $11M)
🏀Markieff Morris ($2.1M)
To Dallas:
🏀🏀Anthony Davis ($43.2M, $54.1M, – 1:02 AM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
Would bet this probably leads to a 2+1 Luka extension this summer, not a 5-year extension. Best way for him to maximize money now that he’s not a supermax player. – 1:02 AM
Would bet this probably leads to a 2+1 Luka extension this summer, not a 5-year extension. Best way for him to maximize money now that he’s not a supermax player. – 1:02 AM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
The Lakers are making one of the biggest — and most shocking — trades in NBA history, acquiring Luka Dončić from the Mavericks and sending Anthony Davis to Dallas in a blockbuster deal:
ocregister.com/2025/02/01/lak… – 12:59 AM
The Lakers are making one of the biggest — and most shocking — trades in NBA history, acquiring Luka Dončić from the Mavericks and sending Anthony Davis to Dallas in a blockbuster deal:
ocregister.com/2025/02/01/lak… – 12:59 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
EMERGENCY EPISODE!!!! Lakers Acquire Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:58 AM
EMERGENCY EPISODE!!!! Lakers Acquire Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:58 AM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Stars playing for the Lakers feels like stars appearing in the MCU. Eventually, it seems like everyone does it. When The Athletic made its all-time Top 75 NBA players list, 9 of the top 25 had played for the Lakers. Luka Doncic could end up among those stars and he’s head to L.A. – 12:57 AM
Stars playing for the Lakers feels like stars appearing in the MCU. Eventually, it seems like everyone does it. When The Athletic made its all-time Top 75 NBA players list, 9 of the top 25 had played for the Lakers. Luka Doncic could end up among those stars and he’s head to L.A. – 12:57 AM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Look man I love Anthony Davis……
This is Luka Doncic we are talking about…..
Wow….. – 12:56 AM
Look man I love Anthony Davis……
This is Luka Doncic we are talking about…..
Wow….. – 12:56 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Nico Harrison must be insanely high on Anthony Davis because the Mavs would’ve been offered astronomical hauls in a bidding war for Luka.
I’m absolutely floored by all of this. – 12:54 AM
Nico Harrison must be insanely high on Anthony Davis because the Mavs would’ve been offered astronomical hauls in a bidding war for Luka.
I’m absolutely floored by all of this. – 12:54 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James learned of the Davis-Doncic trade after the Knicks game when it broke while he was out to dinner with his family, sources close to James told ESPN. James was surprised by the news, is processing it and had no idea it was in the works, sources said. – 12:53 AM
LeBron James learned of the Davis-Doncic trade after the Knicks game when it broke while he was out to dinner with his family, sources close to James told ESPN. James was surprised by the news, is processing it and had no idea it was in the works, sources said. – 12:53 AM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
I don’t know man… All the talk about NBA ratings and the Mavs hand the Lakers Luka… – 12:53 AM
I don’t know man… All the talk about NBA ratings and the Mavs hand the Lakers Luka… – 12:53 AM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
I don’t want to hear a word from any of you about “Don’t Need Luka” ever again.
Mavs literally just made it real. – 12:53 AM
I don’t want to hear a word from any of you about “Don’t Need Luka” ever again.
Mavs literally just made it real. – 12:53 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
🤯🚨 Luka Doncic has been TRADED to the Lakers!!
👀The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. pic.x.com/qvKjwI5CYd – 12:52 AM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GiwqtAXXEAA0M4_.jpg")
🤯🚨 Luka Doncic has been TRADED to the Lakers!!
👀The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. pic.x.com/qvKjwI5CYd – 12:52 AM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Jimmy watching AD and Luka getting traded pic.x.com/gvMPF3jXX0 – 12:52 AM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GiwqpxWWoAAJwf-.jpg")
Jimmy watching AD and Luka getting traded pic.x.com/gvMPF3jXX0 – 12:52 AM
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
The craziest aspect about the Lakers getting Luka Doncic is that they also get him at a discount.
That 30 percent max he’s limited to for the next three years could help give them enough time and flexibility to pursue his co-star. – 12:51 AM
The craziest aspect about the Lakers getting Luka Doncic is that they also get him at a discount.
That 30 percent max he’s limited to for the next three years could help give them enough time and flexibility to pursue his co-star. – 12:51 AM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
EMERGENCY POD: We’re LIVE on the @SportingTrib’s X trying to make sense of what just happened. The Lakers just got Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris and are sending the Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie and their 2029 first round pick. x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:44 AM
EMERGENCY POD: We’re LIVE on the @SportingTrib’s X trying to make sense of what just happened. The Lakers just got Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris and are sending the Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie and their 2029 first round pick. x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:44 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
My Live Reaction to the Luka Doncic Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers with @HPbasketball.
Hacked![➡]()
Is this Real? ![➡]()
Oh God it’s Real pic.x.com/QaJXzGHKPs – 12:43 AM
My Live Reaction to the Luka Doncic Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers with @HPbasketball.
Hacked
Is this Real? Oh God it’s Real pic.x.com/QaJXzGHKPs – 12:43 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
The Mavs had major concerns about moving forward with Luka Doncic due to his constant conditioning issues and the looming commitment of another supermax contract extension this summer, sources told ESPN. – 12:31 AM
The Mavs had major concerns about moving forward with Luka Doncic due to his constant conditioning issues and the looming commitment of another supermax contract extension this summer, sources told ESPN. – 12:31 AM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
There are major financial implications for Luka Doncic with this trade.
He was in line to receive a five-year $345M contract this summer.
Doncic is no longer super max eligible. – 12:24 AM
There are major financial implications for Luka Doncic with this trade.
He was in line to receive a five-year $345M contract this summer.
Doncic is no longer super max eligible. – 12:24 AM
CJ McCollum @CJMcCollum
I can’t tell what’s real and fake anymore on these apps. Luka really going to the lakers or nah ? – 12:20 AM
I can’t tell what’s real and fake anymore on these apps. Luka really going to the lakers or nah ? – 12:20 AM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Three-team deal that includes Utah. – 12:12 AM
BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Three-team deal that includes Utah. – 12:12 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant turnover as he inbounds ball over O’Neale’s out of bounds on the other side of the court.
Suns down 98-79 going into the 4th.
Wow. #Suns #RipCity – 11:52 PM
Durant turnover as he inbounds ball over O’Neale’s out of bounds on the other side of the court.
Suns down 98-79 going into the 4th.
Wow. #Suns #RipCity – 11:52 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker has an 18-point 3rd working, but on the bench.
Suns down 96-77 as Grant block on Durant jumper leads to Henderson transition layup. #Suns #RipCity – 11:49 PM
Booker has an 18-point 3rd working, but on the bench.
Suns down 96-77 as Grant block on Durant jumper leads to Henderson transition layup. #Suns #RipCity – 11:49 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant on Ayton.
Richards on Camara.
Camara 3. Suns down 13. #Suns #RipCity – 11:36 PM
Durant on Ayton.
Richards on Camara.
Camara 3. Suns down 13. #Suns #RipCity – 11:36 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant updates on road to 30K: slow second quarter, now 62 shy of mark (w/video) #Suns #RipCity azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 11:26 PM
Kevin Durant updates on road to 30K: slow second quarter, now 62 shy of mark (w/video) #Suns #RipCity azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 11:26 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
This feels like the Detroit game where it’s going to have to be a masterclass of buckets from both Booker and Durant for the Suns to have a good offensive night. Disappointing to say the least after what they looked like last night. – 10:59 PM
This feels like the Detroit game where it’s going to have to be a masterclass of buckets from both Booker and Durant for the Suns to have a good offensive night. Disappointing to say the least after what they looked like last night. – 10:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant updates on road to 30K: 11 first-quarter points vs. Blazers, now 64 shy of mark (w/video) #Suns #RipCity azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:57 PM
Kevin Durant updates on road to 30K: 11 first-quarter points vs. Blazers, now 64 shy of mark (w/video) #Suns #RipCity azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:57 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns starting lineups:
Tyus Jones
Devin Booker
Ryan Dunn
Kevin Durant
Nick Richards #Suns – 9:39 PM
Suns starting lineups:
Tyus Jones
Devin Booker
Ryan Dunn
Kevin Durant
Nick Richards #Suns – 9:39 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Kevin Durant laces up the “Oregon” KD 17 for tonight’s game in Portland. pic.x.com/RMZfHp6rxX – 9:04 PM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Giv2Z65aoAAz25L.jpg")
Kevin Durant laces up the “Oregon” KD 17 for tonight’s game in Portland. pic.x.com/RMZfHp6rxX – 9:04 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
The downhill decel move is spreading through the NBA like an airborne virus. Just saw Bron do it at MSG. Luka Garza what have you done. – 8:55 PM
The downhill decel move is spreading through the NBA like an airborne virus. Just saw Bron do it at MSG. Luka Garza what have you done. – 8:55 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Trae Young tonight:
34 PTS
17 AST
2 STL
Only Luka & Harden have more 30/15a games since 2010. pic.x.com/mnP2ARaPK9 – 7:41 PM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Givjex8W8AA-w7N.jpg")
Trae Young tonight:
34 PTS
17 AST
2 STL
Only Luka & Harden have more 30/15a games since 2010. pic.x.com/mnP2ARaPK9 – 7:41 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Honestly, my favorite part of the KD-GP word battle last night was how much Scott Foster seemed to enjoy it. – 2:35 PM
Honestly, my favorite part of the KD-GP word battle last night was how much Scott Foster seemed to enjoy it. – 2:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Countdown to 30K: Kevin Durant has words with Gary Payton, edges closer to historic mark (w/videos) #Suns #DubNation azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 11:14 AM
Countdown to 30K: Kevin Durant has words with Gary Payton, edges closer to historic mark (w/videos) #Suns #DubNation azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 11:14 AM
Trey Kerby @treykerby
Kevin Durant gives the best quotes about himself. This is a “You know who I am” classic. pic.x.com/tHDllfkjZj – 10:24 AM
![]( "https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GitkEzNWoAAAjhz.jpg")
Kevin Durant gives the best quotes about himself. This is a “You know who I am” classic. pic.x.com/tHDllfkjZj – 10:24 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
KD: “It’s always good when I run into an older player, especially if they played in the ‘90s, because they feel like that’s the golden years of NBA. Especially GP, I try to let ‘em know what it would have been like if they’d have been on the court w/ me.” espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 3:17 AM
KD: “It’s always good when I run into an older player, especially if they played in the ‘90s, because they feel like that’s the golden years of NBA. Especially GP, I try to let ‘em know what it would have been like if they’d have been on the court w/ me.” espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 3:17 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I’m going to talk a little s–t to them. So that was fun. I got major respect for GP.”
Kevin Durant and Gary Payton talking trash during Suns win over Warriors.
On if he told Payton he never seen anything like him before: “I said something close to that.” #Suns #DubNation pic.x.com/M9XJO4yAyj – 2:31 AM
“I’m going to talk a little s–t to them. So that was fun. I got major respect for GP.”
Kevin Durant and Gary Payton talking trash during Suns win over Warriors.
On if he told Payton he never seen anything like him before: “I said something close to that.” #Suns #DubNation pic.x.com/M9XJO4yAyj – 2:31 AM
More on this storyline
After the Phoenix Suns were handed a 121-113 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Kevin Durant told the media he was “definitely shocked” about Brittney Griner’s Tuesday announcement to leave the Phoenix Mercury for the Atlanta Dream in WNBA free agency. Durant immediately shifted his tone as he reflected on his close friend’s 11-year WNBA career in the Valley. “Well, that’s just part of professional sports, but BG is just been a staple here in the city for so long,” Durant said. “It’s kind of weird seeing her with a new team, but everybody needs a change.” -via Arizona Republic / February 1, 2025
The animated verbal exchanges between Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant and Hall of Famer Gary Payton Sr. on Friday night were all in good fun. “Just talking junk,” Payton told ESPN’s Jorge Sedano from his second-row seat at Chase Center after the third quarter ended with Durant and the 1995-96 defensive player of the year going back and forth. But Durant meant every word of the trash he talked to Payton, the father of Golden State Warriors wing Gary Payton II, during the Suns’ 130-105 victory. “It’s always good when I run into an older player, especially if they played in the ’90s, because they feel like that’s the golden years of the NBA,” Durant said. “So I try to let them know, especially GP, I try to let them know what it would have been like if they’d have been on the court with me. They tend to talk down on the mentality of our era’s players. -via ESPN / February 1, 2025
“G’s a great sport about it — one of my favorite players, somebody I look up to, got major respect for. I think we started in the summer with Team USA. We were all in the same room with Team USA, and the first thing I said to him was that he couldn’t guard me. ‘You’re too small. Them dudes that played back in the day wasn’t close to me.’ I was just talking crazy to him, so I guess we picked it up from there.” Durant, who scored 19 points in 29 minutes during the win, traded trash talk with Payton for most of the third quarter. Durant finished the quarter with a trio of 3-pointers to stretch the Suns’ lead to 19. At the end of the quarter, he made a beeline toward the corner where Payton was sitting, but Durant was adamant he didn’t need a scoring outburst for fodder in their conversation. -via ESPN / February 1, 2025
Ramona Shelburne: Kyrie Irving was also stunned by the Luka-AD trade. I’m told he was doing a training session in Cleveland when he saw the news come across from @ShamsCharania -via Twitter @ramonashelburne / February 2, 2025
Ryen Rusillo: Just taped emergency pod with @Bill Simmons and @Rob Mahoney Heard from multiple teams tonight that said they had no idea Luka Doncic was available. You want to trade Luka, ok, but you start a bidding war. There was no reason to accept this deal so early. -via Twitter @ryenarussillo / February 2, 2025
Duane Rankin: “It’s crazy man. I really don’t know what to say about it. Luka being a guy that everybody has claimed is untouchable and untradeable. The NBA shows you again.” Devin Booker on colossal Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade. “It’s a business. They’re always having a conversation about you. Don’t think that you’re safe.” #Suns -via Twitter @DuaneRankin / February 2, 2025