In exchange for Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris, the Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick, a haul that has been much criticized. Davis was injured in his first game with the Mavericks, and numerous other injuries have plagued Dallas since, leaving the team with as few as seven healthy players.

Dallas Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont explained at a speaking engagement last month that the Luka Dončić trade was about the "future" and creating the "most competitive team." Dumont was a guest at the Real Estate Council's Bank of Texas Speaker Series on Feb.