Davis was traded to the Mavs Saturday night in exchange for Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
LOS ANGELES — Following one of the biggest trades in NBA history over the weekend, Anthony Davis posted on Instagram about joining the Dallas Mavericks.
Davis was traded to the Mavericks late Saturday night, along with Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, in exchange for the Mavs’ star player Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
In the post, Davis said he came to Los Angeles six years ago with the vision to win a championship, and will never forget when they did so in 2020.
“The business of basketball is a business just like all other businesses,” the center wrote. “My family and I thank everyone who made this place home and we are still thinking of those that lost their homes in the fires.”
Davis said Los Angeles will always have a place in his heart, but then moved on to speak about the move to Dallas.
“Every great story has an exciting next chapter…” he wrote. “Dallas- Here we come!”
ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon, a longtime member of the Mavericks press corps, shed some light on why exactly this trade was executed, including reporting a quote from Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.
Harrison emphasized defense as a motivating factor for trading Doncic in a deal for center Anthony Davis, one of the top defensive players in the NBA.
“I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison told MacMahon. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
Davis, 31, is a nine-time All-Star and considered one of the best defenders in the NBA, but also comes with a history of nagging injuries.
Meanwhile, Doncic made his first arrival to Los Angeles as a Laker on Sunday night.
