NBA Commissioner Adam Silver went on The Pat McAfee Show and broke down why the league didn’t — and couldn’t — stop the trade that shook the NBA: Luka Dončić to the Lakers, Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.
🚫 No, the Commissioner Can’t Just Block a Trade
The internet exploded with questions when the blockbuster deal went through, but Silver set the record straight:
“The commissioner doesn’t have the right to block a trade… unless it breaks our rules.”
He referenced David Stern’s infamous veto of the Chris Paul trade in 2011 — but clarified that Stern was acting as owner of the New Orleans Hornets at the time, not just as commissioner.
Silver even shared a personal example:
“When we were running the Clippers, I told [interim governor] Dick Parsons — ‘You’re the owner, not me. You decide the trades.’”
📞 How the League Actually Approves Trades
Silver compared NBA trades to a real estate closing — contracts, cap space, and all legal details have to check out before approval.
“I learned about the Luka trade when they called it in. My job is to make sure it follows the rules. That’s it.”
No veto. No basketball input. No meddling.
🧃 The Luka–AD Deal That Shook the League
Back in February, the Lakers acquired Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris in a three-team trade. The Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also got involved, landing Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-rounders.
The trade was jaw-dropping — Dončić had just led Dallas to the NBA Finals, and many fans thought the Mavericks gave up on a generational superstar.
Dallas’ front office pushed back, saying it was about defense and long-term flexibility. GM Nico Harrison made it clear:
“I believe defense wins championships.”
💬 Silver Defends the Mavericks
Silver responded to speculation that new Mavericks ownership made the deal for non-basketball reasons — like avoiding a future supermax contract or focusing on real estate.
“I feel confident the Mavs believed this was the best move for the franchise.”
“Only time will tell if they were right.”
