Anthony Davis Surprised By Trade, Debut On Mavericks Postponed

Anthony Davis did not expect to be TRAded to Mavericks (Instagram/@antdavis23).

JAKARTA - Anthony Davis was sitting to watch a film with his wife on Sunday, February 3, 2025, in Los Angeles, shortly after watching the Los Angeles Lakers win their best win of the season by beating the New York Knicks without him.

Davis was about 3,000 miles from Madison Square Garden, when the Hall of Fame candidate received a call from Lakers Manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick.

What he heard in the conversation -- that he was TRAde to Dallas Mavericks for fellow Hall of Fame members, Luka Doncic -- surprised him just like the rest of the world when it was announced moments later.

"I was shocked. I don't know. I just sent a text message to the team about congratulations on the win against the Knicks, a big win."

"Then I was looking forward to Wednesday's match, February 5, 2025, against the Clippers. Then, I found out about an hour later that I was no longer with the team."

"I was very surprised, of course. Didn't know that would happen. However, I mean, now I'm a little forget about it and preparing to play with Dallas," said Davis, who wore full Mavericks outfits, after Dallas had a morning training session at the Wells Fargo Center before facing host Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Davis did not play with Dallas on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, morning WIB, because he was still absent due to a stomach injury he suffered.

He then returned home to check and treat his injury, hoping after Sunday's victory, February 2, 2025, Davis will return this week.

However, after that shocking trade on the day, his return to the pitch will also be his debut with a new team - which Davis says will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025, in Boston against defending champions Celtics or at home on Sunday, February 9, 2025, against Houston Rockets.

"I will undergo training today (4/2/2025), see how I feel, and depend on that, will do more training tomorrow."

"Then it depends on that, see how you look. If it's not Friday, then it's most likely Sunday at home," Davis said.

What Davis and Mavericks will wait for when they return to Texas later this week is a still shaken fan base of a trade that is arguably the most surprising in NBA history. No one, including Davis and Doncic, understands the decision.

Now, Davis has spoken to Kyrie Irving about playing together, which he has made since he was with New Orleans Pelians and Irving in Celtics in the 2018/2019 season.

At that time, Davis asked to be exchanged from New Orleans which eventually brought him to Los Angeles.

He will now play for coach who has won the only NBA championship with him, namely Jason Kidd, who was once the assistant coach of the Lakers in 2020 and Manager Nico Harrison, who ultimately chose to swap Doncic.

"Nico believes in me and what I can add to this team. We are both very excited about what we can do."

"I think we have a great opportunity to win the NBA championship," Davis said.