NBA commissioner Adam Silver can see both sides of the Luka Dončić deal. Shortly after the trade was made, Silver defended the Dallas Mavericks, saying he believes the team did what it believed "was in the best interest of the organization."

Besides, Dallas just made it to the Finals last year largely on the strength of its defense. From the P.J. Washington trade to the end of the 2023-24 campaign, the Mavericks were seventh in points allowed per 100 possessions. In the playoffs, the Thunder and Celtics were the only teams that made it past the first round and had better defenses.

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and CEO Rick Welts spoke to select members of the media behind closed doors on Tuesday, just a day before the Mavericks’ Play-in Tournament game on the road against the Sacramento Kings.