The trade was orchestrated by Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, but fans were quick to point out that the team ownership, led by majority owner Patrick Dumont, would also likely have had to sign off on the deal. Recently, Dumont spoke on what went into the puzzling decision.

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison says he traded Luka Doncic to win now. Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont says he did it for the future. As part of the Bank of Texas Speaker Series from a Dallas-area real estate group, Dumont explained his motivations for the team sending Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.