Ex-Maverick Jalen Brunson calls Luka Doncic-Lakers trade a 'head-scratcher'

Both parts of Dallas' incredible 2018 NBA Draft class are now gone.

Dec 3, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The NBA world has been reacting to the shocking trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks a few weeks ago when the Mavs sent Luka Doncic out West in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie. Just about anybody who has talked about the game has called it the craziest trade they've ever seen.

New York Knicks stars Josh Hart and ex-Maverick Jalen Brunson talked about the trade on their podcast, "The Roommates Show," before the All-Star break, with Brunson calling it a "head-scratcher."

READ MORE: Victor Wembanyama still shocked at Lakers-Mavericks trade of Luka Doncic

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"[Rob Pelinka] even said he thought it was a joke," Brunson started. "It's a head-scratcher... It's a head-scratcher by how it all went down. I never thought Luka would get traded without him asking for one. I never thought he'd get offered first... I just find it's a big question mark on it. If it works for the Mavs, good. But I feel like the Mavs fans have invested their heart and soul into Luka. Since day one. When Luka got there, that's their guy. Everyone was like, 'Luka's the man, this is what we're gonna do for him, surround him in this city with love and respect.' Like he had that for the last seven years, six years. I saw one thing on Twitter that was like, 'No matter if they win or not, emotionally I'm not invested anymore.' Like, damn."

Jalen Brunson telling you why every Mavs fan can’t move on from Luka Doncic… @dallasmavs pic.twitter.com/SnIoE2zKV1

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Brunson had his own experience trying to negotiate with Nico Harrison, who decided not to offer a contract extension before the 2021-22 season to Brunson, then let the young star guard walk for nothing in free agency to the Knicks after a run to the 2022 Western Conference Finals. Brunson has since emerged as one of the best guards in the NBA, finishing 5th in MVP voting in 2024. There's a good chance he would've never reached those heights had he stayed in Dallas, but the Mavericks left the 2018 NBA Draft with two future MVP candidates, and neither would be on the team seven years later. That's poor roster management.

READ MORE: NBA Commissioner says 'time will tell' on Mavericks-Lakers trade of Luka Doncic

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