Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[loki]

I'm definitely not as distraught about the trade as I was initially. It's still a terrible deal, but the way Luka was trending with his health and declining ability to get to the rim had me beginning to question the wisdom of a supermax extension as well. I have 3 major issues at this point.

1) Nico got worked over. This should have been the easiest negotiation ever. You want Luka? Give me every asset you legally can or don't call back.
2) The abrupt change in direction. Over the last two years they traded 1st round picks or pick swaps in 27, 28, 29, and 30. You can't follow that up by moving your star for a guy 6 years older.
3) Dirk overcame his demons to eventually win in 2011. Luka was robbed of the chance to do the same.

It could get rough in a few years when Kyrie/AD fall off and the Mavs start shipping out lottery picks, but until then I'll just to try to enjoy the new-look team. I can't force myself to root for someone else, nor can I swear off the Mavs entirely. I think there's still a chance for them to contend, although the lack of spacing and ability to generate open 3's may be too much to overcome.