Mavericks GM discusses 'tough decision' to trade young superstar Luka Dončić

So, why would the Mavs move on from him? Especially after an NBA Finals appearance.

"But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future. And that's ultimately the goal and why we're here. It's one of those things where it's my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost."

"We really feel like we got ahead of what was going to be a tumultuous summer, him being eligible for the supermax and also a year away from him being able to opt out of any contract," Harrison said. "And so we really felt like we got out in front of that. We know teams, they've had it out there, teams have been loading up to try to sign him once that comes available."

And with the speculation that the Mavs were upset with Doncic's conditioning, it appears the stars aligned for Dallas to move on from him.

The Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and won't turn 26 until later this month. In his career, he averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, putting himself in the MVP conversation every year of his young career.

Meanwhile, Davis finished in fourth place in the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year voting last year, and is averaging over 25 points and 12 rebounds this season.