EXCLUSIVE: Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul on Anthony Davis/Luka Dončić trade

Below is an exclusive interview between DLLS Sports’ Kevin Gray Jr. and Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul, who represents Dallas Mavericks superstar Anthony Davis. This interview has been slightly edited for length and clarity, but a link to the complete audio version is below.

Kevin Gray Jr.: You’ve been part of some monumental transactions in the history of this league. Where does this rank for you as far as the magnitude, the players that are involved, and how this all came together?

Rich Paul: It’s been a pretty busy trade deadline for me. Had a lot of guys get moved, a lot of it strategically. This one was a shock. And again, the timing of it was a shock, who was involved was a shock, (but) the destination was not a shock, just based upon the relationship. AD has been someone that Nico (Harrison) has coveted since he got the job, so that’s not a shock to me. But where does it rank? It’s right up there, man. I think it was the first trade among All-NBA players. Normally you’re trading All-NBA guys and getting back (young) guys, or getting back a lot of picks and things like that. Very seldom do you see two mountains being moved like that, and obviously AD is 31 and Luka’s 25 so you can understand why on one end, and why people think not on the other. But ultimately, I imagine in the perfect world they would love to have them two play together, if everyone had it the way they wanted, but it doesn’t work like that. It’s OK, it’s a business, and I always tell my guys it’s a business.

KG: What are the Mavericks getting in this version of Anthony Davis at this stage of his career?

RP: People talk about AD’s production a lot, but I know the person. I’ve seen him grow, I’ve seen him leave New Orleans and come into L.A. In the time he spent there, I’ve seen his habits increase. I’ve seen his seriousness, his approach to just the detail of everything increase, his will and want to win increase. And that should be that way as you’re progressing as an NBA player. The thing I love about AD is he’s just a genuine person. His whole family is that. He’ll settle in nicely here, right at home. Everything is big in Dallas and in Texas, and so is AD. The fans will fall in love with him.

He’s not here to replace Luka. You can’t do that. But he’s AD, and so I think they’ll find a way to connect to him in an authentic way. The media and the staff on the Mavericks will also find a way to love AD. He’s just that infectious, and I think the Lakers would say the same.

KG: What would your message be to Mavericks fans regarding how they can hopefully move forward with him?

RP: Just have an open mind. I can’t expect them to not be mad at someone who they’ve grown with and watched grow and get drafted abruptly leave. But at the same time… That’s part of our game. And I love to see that emotion. But I think there’s a level to it, and there’s a character that comes with being a fan. People have families. People are trying to do their jobs the same way you are, so just having that perspective on things can help. Just be open-minded. This is a very good team.

You can listen to the full interview on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts on the DLLS Mavs Podcast.