TITLE: Max Christie Describes Sleepless Night After Blockbuster Luka Doncic Trade
SLUG: max-christie-recalls-reaction-to-luka-doncic-trade
CONTENT:
Dallas Mavericks guard Max Christie says he felt “pretty numb” the night he learned he had been traded for Luka Doncic, describing the moment as a shock that kept him awake until morning.
Speaking on the podcast “The Old Man and The Three,” the 23-year-old recalled the events of the 2024 trade deadline. Christie and the Los Angeles Lakers had just defeated the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden by double digits when his phone rang on the team bus.
“Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick both called me,” Christie said, noting that calls from the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations were rare. “As soon as I saw the names, I had a feeling. I didn’t sleep at all that night.”
At the time of the deal, Christie had started between 15 and 20 consecutive games for Los Angeles and was establishing himself as a regular contributor. He said watching trades from afar did not prepare him for being moved in a transaction of that scale. “You don’t really know what it’s like until you’re in it,” he explained. “I happened to be part of one of the biggest trades ever.”
Now a year into his tenure with the Mavericks, Christie has carved out a role as a 3-and-D wing. Dallas coaches have emphasized development, pairing him with rookie forward Cooper Flagg and giving him extended starting minutes.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have benefited from adding Doncic, while former teammates such as Austin Reaves continue to keep in touch with Christie and Anthony Davis.
Source: LakersNation.com
