Luka has always been extremely competitive within those 48 minutes on the court. The Mavericks, however, were frustrated. Frankly, they felt like investing in him was going to be a diminishing return because of his lack of competitiveness off the court—his lack of willingness to make the year-round, around-the-clock commitment required to be the face of an NBA franchise. Yes, he has an amazing ability to put up huge numbers while playing his way into shape. But ultimately, the Mavericks did not believe that Luka Dončić was going to lead them to a championship. And that led to this shocking trade.