[Goldsberry] The Luka Dončić deal originally included multiple first-round picks, Dalton Knecht, and more, but was chiseled down after Rob Pelinka was able to convince Nico Harrison that taking on Luka Dončić was a big risk due to his weight and injury history.
Goldsberry also says that Rob Pelinka was able to convince Nico Harrison not to shop Luka Dončić and convince him that the Lakers were the only real suitor that could give the Mavericks the best player to “win-now” so he shouldn’t bother to negotiate with other teams.