"Terrified of this guy" - Ex-NBA exec voices his take on the reason behind Luka Doncic's Dallas exit
Luka Doncic's trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers allegedly stemmed from concerns about his lifestyle and influence within the Mavericks, according to former NBA executive Haralabos Voulgaris.
Despite Doncic’s impressive on-court production averaging at least 27 points, eight rebounds and eight assists per game for his career, the Mavericks were reportedly growing concerned about their star's conditioning and the influence on the team's decision-making.
Voulgaris, who worked with the Mavericks from 2018 to 2021, revealed on the My First Million podcast that Luka Doncic’s influence extended beyond the court,
“Every person who worked at the Mavericks, except for me, was terrified of this guy."
He claimed that the Slovenian star dictated several day-to-day operations, including practice schedules. While such privileges are not uncommon for superstar players, they reportedly did not align with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison’s vision for the team.
Reports from The Athletic also suggested that Luka Doncic’s casual approach to fitness, allegedly enjoying beer and hookah, did not sit well with management. Though such habits are not unusual for a 25-year-old, they were perceived as a potential hindrance to long-term success.
When Voulgaris voiced his concerns to then-owner Mark Cuban, he was reportedly told to “stay in his lane.” Eventually, the Mavericks’ front office reached a tipping point.
Harrison made the difficult call to move on from Luka Doncic, opting for a trade package that included Anthony Davis,Max Christie and a first round pick. The decision was framed as a cultural shift, prioritizing players who would align better with the team’s values.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver comments on Luka Doncic trade
Speaking at the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver claimed that he had no prior knowledge that Dallas was considering trading Luka Doncic.
"I can say one thing for sure: Whether or not history will ultimately judge this as a smart trade, they did what they thought was in the best interest of their organization,"
The commissioner clarified that, under standard league procedures, such high-profile deals are typically kept confidential unless a team is actively shopping a player.
In Doncic’s case, it appears that Harrison and the Mavericks’ front office had made a swift and decisive move without much external speculation beforehand.
Silver also acknowledged the frustrations of Mavericks fans, many of whom remain upset over the departure of their franchise star.
"In terms of the Dallas fans, all I can say to them is, again, time will tell whether it’s a smart trade. I think they should believe in their organization. Their organization truly made a trade that they believe was in the best interest of the organization."
For now, fans of both teams will eagerly watch how Luka Doncic adapts in Los Angeles and whether Dallas can forge a new identity without their superstar.