Nikola Jokic Reacts to Stunning Luka Doncic Trade: 'Nobody's Safe'

The Nuggets star was as surprised as everybody else that Doncic was traded.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was as shocked as everybody else that Luka Doncic was traded.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was as shocked as everybody else that Luka Doncic was traded. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Late Saturday night, the Dallas Mavericks dealt star wing Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team trade that sent draft assets to the Utah Jazz and Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.

In what can only be described as one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the 25-year-old Doncic, who is already one of the best players in the league and has yet to hit his prime, is now teaming up with LeBron James in Los Angeles.

The move blindsided rival executives, NBA fans and players alike.

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, one of the few players in the league who seemed as untradable as Doncic, was stunned.

"I texted him. ...He didn't expect it, of course," Jokic said. "I think he just needs to be with his family right now. It's a big move. It's a business. Nobody expected it, especially with him. I think nobody is safe in the league. But I think he's gonna go and do a good job, you know? I think he's the player for the big scene, even though I thought in Dallas he had something special going on."

Doncic has been out since late December with a calf strain, but is expected to make his Lakers debut sooner rather than later as he nears full health.

When he returns, he will team up with James and the new-look Lakers as they look to make a Western Conference playoff push in the second half of the season.


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Mike McDaniel
MIKE MCDANIEL

Mike McDaniel is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where he has worked since January 2022. His work has been featured at InsideTheACC.com, SB Nation, FanSided and more. McDaniel hosts the Hokie Hangover Podcast, covering Virginia Tech athletics, as well as Basketball Conference: The ACC Football Podcast. Outside of work, he is a husband and father, and an avid golfer.