Just over four months ago, the NBA world reeled in disbelief. Yes, it’s the same story about how the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers. In return, they acquired Anthony Davis. There was anger and pain among the Mavericks Nation as they lost their favorite boy in a trade that made no sense to them.

Moreover, after his homecoming game of 45 points, the Slovenian star said it’s time to move on. But well, you see, not everything comes to an end with a ‘The End’.

Sometimes, a little petty move here and a subtle vindictive move there just adds to the legends. Now, you might be wondering what is going on. Well, later this month, Goldin Auctions will drop a jaw-dropper—a custom “Fire Nico” jersey, boldly signed by former Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic, hits the block. Wow!

Most importantly, the jersey tells a story. It’s a bold nod to Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and the stunning trade move that pushed the adopted Texan out of the franchise; now, the plot waits for its next chapter. Meanwhile, backed by a JSA letter of authenticity, this rare piece of NBA drama is already drawing eyes. As of Monday, bidding had climbed to $1,000 with over nineteen days still left on the clock.

Meanwhile, the Luka Doncic effect was instant. After the blockbuster trade, fans went into a frenzy. According to eBay, searches for Doncic skyrocketed by 1,150% the very next day. His move to one of the league’s most storied franchises lit a fire under the collectibles world. His jersey flew to the top of the NBA’s 2024 to 2025 best-seller list. And in March, his game-worn jersey from that electric ‘revenge game’ against the Mavericks sold for a jaw-dropping $60,600.

While Luka’s unique yet direct move against Nico Harrison’s decision is entering a bidding war, his former teammate, too, is looking for possibilities. Moreover, Rob Pelinka could be interested in shaking hands with Harrison again, who knows?

Amidst Luka Doncic’s signed jersey auction, Daniel Gafford makes some major noise

Back in February, Pelinka and Nico Harrison sealed the Doncic blockbuster over a handshake at Ascension Cafe. Now, whispers of another dance between Dallas and LA are picking up. The Lakers need a center. The Mavericks might be ready to part with one. Enter Daniel Gafford. On May 1, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon played the role of “amateur general manager” on the Hoop Collective podcast, casually dropping, “The Mavericks kind of quietly sniffed around about the value of Daniel Gafford before this last deadline. It certainly would make sense for them to do that again this summer.”

He further added, “Daniel Gafford is entering the final year of his contract. Gafford, reasonably and rightfully, is going to want to get paid starting center money.” MacMahon also noted, “Luka’s obviously got chemistry with Gafford. I don’t know if Nico wants to go back to Ascension Coffee and have another chit-chat with Rob Pelinka so soon, or do something that would benefit.” 

Tim MacMahon backed what Bailey Bassett suggested days earlier—Gafford to LA for Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 2031 pick. Then came Luka’s telling words to Gafford, “We’ll play again. We’ll play again.” Sounds less like talk, more like a teaser. With Gafford’s $14.4 million expiring and Kyrie out, Dallas could use a cheaper backup or a new guard. If LA needs a center and Dallas wants relief, the deal writes itself.

Sometimes, the past leaves breadcrumbs for the future to follow. Luka Doncic’s signature blazes on a jersey, Daniel Gafford’s future dangles in the air, and somewhere, a second coffee chat might be brewing. The trade that stunned the league may just open the door to another. So stay close. Because in this league, the sequel often hits harder than the original.