The Dallas Mavericks were expected to contend last season, boasting a roster built for a deep playoff run. Instead, they fell short of expectations — a disappointing campaign that ultimately led to one of the most shocking trades in recent NBA history: Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In the aftermath of the blockbuster move, former teammate PJ Washington addressed the team’s new identity and direction, emphasizing a renewed commitment to defense. Speaking with reporters, Washington reflected on the franchise’s mindset shift post-Doncic.
“We didn’t win last year — it’s not like we won the Finals,” Washington said. “At the end of the day, everybody who has played basketball knows you have to play defense to win. I feel like we can be one of the best defensive teams next year. We have some of the best shot-blockers in the game right now. It makes my job easier, it makes all the guards’ jobs easier… The sky’s the limit for us. It’s just about building chemistry and being together.”
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has echoed that sentiment since pulling the trigger on the trade, repeating his belief that “defense wins championships.” Based on Washington’s remarks, the roster is clearly buying into the message.
Max Christie reacts to post-trade pressure
Second-year guard Max Christie also addressed the aftermath of the Doncic trade and how the team is handling the attention and expectations. “We’re professionals… We’re trained and we’re supposed to play through the noise,” Christie said. “Every fan has a right to voice an opinion — that’s fine. Our job isn’t to block it all out, but to continue to play regardless.”
With a healthier roster and a defensive core in place, the Mavericks believe they could be one of the NBA’s top teams in the 2025-26 season.
Doncic speaks out on departure
While Doncic had remained relatively silent since the move, he recently opened up during an exclusive interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews. The All-NBA guard didn’t hold back when asked about the trade and Mavericks GM Nico Harrison.
“It’s just sad the way he’s talking right now,” Doncic said. “I never said anything bad about him, and I just want to move on. The fans, my ex-teammates — I’ll always keep them in my heart. But it’s time for me to move on from there.”
Doncic also revealed a personal moment from the day he was traded, showing Andrews his phone screen — still cracked — from when he threw it across the room upon receiving the news.
“I mean, it’s painful, depending on how you take it,” Doncic added. “Most of the criticism came from Dallas, so I didn’t want to talk back. I don’t really read that much stuff. I’m just trying to focus on my journey.” As the Mavericks turn the page, their former franchise cornerstone is doing the same — and both sides are determined to write a new chapter.