What Shams Charania dropped into the world last night transcends the association. It transcends the wider sports sphere. There are few revelations in recent memory that have spewed equal amounts of fervor and discourse as the Luka Doncic–Antony Davis trade. It’s often hyperbolic when the masses throw words like “historic” and “greatest” around. However, they’ll slide at this instance. The hivemind of the American populace is blown, and thinking straight when talking about this trade is at a premium right now. One reporter in particular has allowed herself to get carried away a little bit more than most. Enter the equation, Jimmy Butler.

Everyone from fans to the media is trying to discern what led to the Dallas Mavericks taking this step. No one has reached a tangible conclusion. There may not even be one, at least not till the dust fully settles on what went down. Regardless, the yearning for answers led one national reporter to make what can only be called a sensationalist, verging on delusional claim. This came by way of CBS’ Ashley Nicole Moss. She made, on live TV, a suggestion that spurred a blanket disapproval. Now that’s difficult in the social media era where contrarians are everywhere. The suggestion involved a notion that the Mavs traded Luka Doncic not for Anthony Davis. But for a secondary trade that’ll bring Jimmy Butler to Dallas. Figure that.

Over on CBS Sports HQ, Moss was asked if she thinks there are any more moves for the Lakers in the pipeline. A fair assumption, since they’ve changed the timeline of their Championship window by getting a younger superstar. In reply, Moss went on a bit of a tangent. “Absolutely, and I think that this isn’t the last move that the Mavericks will make either. I’d be interested if Anthony Davis is a piece that ultimately, the Mavericks potentially used to try to get Jimmy Butler.” she said. Just so we’re straight, this implies the Mavs could’ve ultimately traded their 25-year old perennial MVP candidate for a great yet declining star that’s 35. Ashley Nicole Moss proceeded to give her reasoning.

“[The Mavericks] weren’t gonna send Luka to Miami for all intents and purposes. They were probably gonna require a lot more than Miami was gonna be willing to give up. But maybe a swap between Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler is more feasible” she said. The initial rationale is correct. Pat Riley didn’t have enough in his arsenal even if he was aware bringing Luka to south Florida was a possibility. Neither in terms of personnel or picks. But nothing about trading AD, still a top 10 player, for Butler screams “feasible”.

“This is not a move you make just to keep your roster the same. That goes for the Mavericks, and that goes for the Lakers. If you ask me which of the two is going to make the bigger move by the trade deadline, outside of what just transpired. My money would be on the Mavericks possibly going after Jimmy Butler.” said Ashley Nicole Moss in summation. Unfortunately, her explanation didn’t permeate over to the audience. The social media verse didn’t mince words in letting her know their feelings about this idea.

NBA fans in unison a about their feelings on a Anthony Davis for Jimmy Butler trade

In the comments section of the aforementioned post, one person said “Lmfao you think the mavs want to flip Luka essentially for Jimmy who hires these people” It’s almost unprecedented for a franchise to shop around their centre-piece, whom they drafted, still in the midst of his 20s. Let alone mere months after making the NBA Finals. Almost anything seems within the realm of possibilities now that we’ve witnessed this. But the Jimmy Butler angle is still a far-fetched school of thought from Moss. “Davis is dramatically better than Butler, what are you even talking about?” and “Flipping AD for Jimmy Butler…2k wouldn’t even accept that trade come on now” were comments that echoed a similar sentiment.

Another person wrote “Huh? Why would the Mavericks flip Anthony Davis for a far worse asset that fits worse inside their current system?” AD can play the 4 in Dallas, while PJ Washington can slot in at the 3. Klay Thompson can continue at shooting guard. It doesn’t justify the trade, but Davis does fit in the team rather seamlessly. Another wing in Jimmy Butler will make spacing difficult again. One person replied to this outlandish idea with “these people get paid to talk hoops😂” Harsh, but Ashley Nicole Moss left herself open to the wrath of NBA Twitter, or X, after all.

You’d be hard pressed to find so many people in unison about a trade. Even the Rudy Gobert one had its proponents. But if Luka for AD was a weird one, then AD for Butler is outright diabolical. Alas, you just never know what’s simmering under the surface. For now, those on the Pacific coast can rejoice. Meanwhile, those in Dallas will hope they haven’t hurriedly sabotaged a good thing.