If Dallas struggles to replace the offensive brilliance of Dončić, or if the Lakers fail to maximize him, this could go down as one of the most shocking and short-sighted trades in NBA history.

The trade that shocked the NBA world was also a major surprise for the player who bought a Dallas home weeks before.

The decision to trade Dončić remains viewed as irrational and impulsive. But those who know the Mavs' GM best paint a far different picture.