The recent blockbuster trade sending Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis has taken the NBA world by storm. The deal immediately sparked controversy, with many fans and analysts demanding that NBA commissioner Adam Silver step in and veto the trade. However, Silver made it clear that the league has no authority to interfere in such roster moves.
Speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast, Silver detailed the NBA’s limited involvement in trades, explaining that the league’s role is strictly to ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
All we do is make sure that the contracts in trades work under the confines of the collective bargaining agreement,” Silver stated. “We don’t have any say in roster moves other than that.
When asked if he had reached out to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison to confirm the deal, Silver responded with a laugh. “Did you at least text [GM Nico Harrison], ‘Are you sure?'” joked co-host Big Cat. Silver simply shook his head, dismissing the idea.
Dallas Mavericks’ front office under fire
Trading away one of the brightest stars in the league has put the Mavericks‘ front office under intense scrutiny. Many fans and analysts question the wisdom of moving Doncic, given his superstar potential and the team’s ability to build a championship-caliber roster around him.
This trade wasn’t one that I saw coming,” Silver admitted. “Teams don’t necessarily give the league inside information, so I was surprised from that standpoint.
Small markets versus big markets
Silver also pushed back against the idea that the NBA favors big-market teams like the Lakers. He pointed out that, in recent years, smaller-market franchises have found success, with two of them currently boasting the best records in the league.
Look at the league right now… two smaller-market teams have the best records in the league, and I think that’s great,” Silver said. “We’ve had six different NBA champions in the past six years. This may sound obvious, but I want all of our teams to do well and be competitive. Frankly, Dallas is a big market. So, was I surprised that he was traded? Yes. But teams don’t necessarily give the league inside information.
While the trade remains a controversial move, Silver reaffirmed that the NBA’s principles allow teams to control their own rosters. Whether the decision ultimately benefits Dallas or backfires, the league had no hand in making it happen.
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