Rich Paul has developed himself into one of the biggest names in the NBA world. Originally coming in as LeBron James’ friend and agent, he’s carved out a niche for himself as one of the best agents walking the NBA landscape.
So, with a move like this involving his client Anthony Davis — and affecting the man he’s so closely associated with went down — Paul had to sit down to answer some key questions. Now that Luka Dončić is a Los Angeles Laker, Paul is ready to face the music.
Rich Paul on the Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis Trade
Despite his status as one of the best orchestrators of trades and deals for his clients, Paul had to admit that the move was a shock even to him, especially because of the names involved. However, when it came to the destination for Davis, he did mention that Dallas calling wasn’t a complete surprise.
“AD has been someone that Nico (Harrison) has coveted since he got the job, so that’s not a shock to me.” But even for someone who lives the inside life in the NBA, it was hard not to categorize the move as seismic.
“But where does it rank? It’s right up there, man. I think it was the first trade among All-NBA players. Normally you’re trading All-NBA guys and getting back (young) guys, or getting back a lot of picks and things like that. Very seldom do you see two mountains being moved like that.”
For a lot of Dallas Mavericks fans, the return for a certified franchise cornerstone in Dončić hasn’t been enough. While Davis has been phenomenal since he stepped into the league, Dončić has exceeded him in most people’s eyes, while also being seven years younger.
But Paul wanted people to give him the opportunity as someone who he believed was a “genuine person”: “The thing I love about AD is he’s just a genuine person. His whole family is that. He’ll settle in nicely here, right at home. Everything is big in Dallas and in Texas, and so is AD. The fans will fall in love with him.”
However, he did understand the sentiment among the fan base for losing a superstar they’d been around since 2018. “He’s not here to replace Luka. You can’t do that. But he’s AD, and so I think they’ll find a way to connect to him in an authentic way.”
In his introductory press conference with the team, Davis had similar words about the situation, claiming, “I understand it. Obviously, it’s a business and I get who Luka was to this franchise, to this city. I’m never gonna downplay that. Just how I know what I meant to the city of L.A.”
Yet, he did have a clear goal in mind. “What I can control is just going out there and winning basketball games and helping the team however I can,” before finishing with a punchline. “I’m gonna give the city, give ’em life back.”
Anthony Davis: “I’m not surprised by the fans reaction and city’s reaction but it’s my job to come in and play basketball and do what I’m supposed to do, give the fans hope and reassurance on why Nico brought me here… I’m gonna to get the city, give life back.” pic.twitter.com/lukodokcvW
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) February 7, 2025
The key to finding that groove with the fan base? According to Paul, the simple idea is to have some patience and see how the deal pans out.
“Just have an open mind. I can’t expect them to not be mad at someone who they’ve grown with and watched grow and get drafted abruptly leave.”
However, he did specify that there were lines that the fan base shouldn’t cross when it came to players or even the front office. “I think there’s a level to it, and there’s a character that comes with being a fan. People have families. People are trying to do their jobs the same way you are, so just having that perspective on things can help. Just be open-minded.”
Over the last few days, security concerns have grown in Dallas. It’s led GM Nico Harrison to install an extra security detail at his house, while fans are planning a protest when the Mavericks take their home court against the Houston Rockets on Saturday (Feb. 8).
