In a league where blockbuster trades are part of the rhythm, few moves have rattled the NBA landscape like Luka Dončić’s stunning transfer to the Los Angeles Lakers. And now, Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler has added his voice to the chorus of disbelief, delivering a raw and viral reaction that perfectly captures the mood of players and fans alike.
In a candid social media post that quickly went viral, Butler didn’t hold back:
“I thought it was fake like everybody else. So did you. I don’t even have to ask. You know what I mean? It was like this guy got hacked or something. I just thought when you used the word ‘untradeable,’ ‘untouchable,’ you’d think Luka Dončić is one of those guys, honestly.”
Butler’s words echoed the sentiment of many around the league. Dončić, who had just led the Dallas Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011, was widely considered the franchise’s cornerstone. His trade to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis blindsided even seasoned insiders.
Butler didn’t stop at disbelief. He hinted that the public narrative might be missing key details:
“Everybody else is on the outside looking in… you only know what you read. You don’t know what’s really going on behind closed doors. But I can guarantee you that there’s more and there’s always a reason behind everything”.
Jimmy Butler comments on Luka Dončić trade pic.twitter.com/AiKHWU3LV6
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) September 8, 2025
His comments suggest that internal dynamics, whether contractual, cultural, or personal, may have played a role in the Mavericks’ decision to part ways with their superstar.
The trade not only reshaped the Western Conference but also reignited conversations about loyalty, transparency, and the business-first nature of the NBA. For Butler, who himself has experienced high-profile exits from teams like the Sixers and Heat, the Dončić saga feels familiar.
Interestingly, reports indicate that Dallas had explored trading for Butler before finalizing the Dončić deal, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
As the Lakers prepare to open the season with Dončić alongside LeBron James, and the Warriors gear up for a new campaign with Butler, the league is bracing for a season full of drama, redemption, and unanswered questions.
