In a season where shocks and jaw-droppers have become the norm—think “The Upside Down” from Stranger Things meets the adrenaline of an NFL fourth-quarter comeback—the trade of Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis in the NBA has set the stage for a ripple effect that’s now splashing over to NFL trade talk.

The Lakers’ blockbuster deal, which saw Luka Dončić (averaging a mind-blowing 28.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 7.8 APG) land in Los Angeles in exchange for Davis, guard Max Christie and a future first-rounder, has fans buzzing louder than a Taylor Swift breakup track. Now, hold onto your hats as we dive into a wild NFL twist that could see a similar seismic shift, blending superstars and stats in a story worthy of an Ocean’s Eleven heist.

Prediction: When NFL trade talk meets NBA superstars

It’s as if the NFL universe just borrowed a page from the NBA’s playbook. Jordan Schultz tweeted: “The Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade is nearly impossible to translate into NFL terms, but one GM I just spoke with took a fun stab at it: ‘Imagine the Bengals shipping off Ja’Marr Chase to the Buccaneers for Mike Evans and a second-round pick’.”

So picture this: Ja’Marr Chase—who, by the way, racked up an astonishing 127 rec, 1,708 yards, and 17 TDs in 2024 (plus a cool $25M net worth)—is traded by the Bengals. Now, if you’re thinking, “Dude, that’s as wild as Rick Grimes riding into the apocalypse!” then you’re spot on. The GM’s audacious prediction essentially draws a parallel between Chase’s breakneck performance and Luka’s game-changing move, blending two sports’ narratives like peanut butter and jelly.

Now, add in Mike Evans, the veteran Buccaneers star, who in 2024 boasted 74 rec for 1,004 yards and 11 TDs over just 14 games, matching Jerry Rice’s legendary streak with 11 consecutive 1K-yard seasons. Imagine Evans as the calm, calculated veteran—like Yoda in a suit—ready to anchor the squad while Chase, the young, exuberant moneymaker, injects new life into the mix.

Joe Burrow the Bengals quarterback who enjoyed a standout 2024 season with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns has publicly stressed the necessity of retaining essential players like Chase on the team. “We can make it happen. And it just has to be right for everybody involved.” The possibility of trading away a foundational player like Chase threatens to create turmoil in the locker room since Burrow’s leadership and vision propelled the Bengals’ recent achievements. This trade would be the NFL equivalent of a Back to the Future DeLorean adventure.

And let’s not forget the cultural ripple effect. Just as LeBron’s reaction to Luka’s arrival in L.A. was a mix of awe and “Hold my Gatorade,” NFL fans would be buzzing with memes and hot takes faster than you can say “Bazinga!” It’s a cross-sport narrative mashup where bold predictions fuel the dream of a new dynasty, and every stat feels like it’s been dialed up to 11.

Mark Evans & Ja’Marr Chase: The deal that could shake the league

Let’s shift gears and dive into how these proposed deals echo the titanic NBA trade. In the NBA, the exchange of Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis wasn’t just a trade—it was an earthquake that redefined team dynamics. In a similar vein, the hypothetical swap of Ja’Marr Chase for Mike Evans in the NFL would send shockwaves reminiscent of when the Buccaneers claimed Tom Brady, turning an already explosive offense into an outright juggernaut. Just like Dončić’s switch-up has the Lakers cooking alongside LeBron, imagine the Bucs pairing Evans’ consistency with a rejuvenated Chase’s explosive play, shaking up the AFC like a scene out of Moneyball.

For context, imagine the aura these two bring to the field without getting lost in a sea of stats. Chase achieved NFL superstardom at lightning speed and his career statistics demonstrate his excellence: 395 rec, 5,425 YDs, and 46 TDs. The summary of Chase’s career achievements resembles Marvel’s post-credits scenes while each statistic acts as a preview of his expanding legend in the same way Luka Dončić’s remarkable 73-point game astonished everyone.

On the flip side, there’s Mike Evans, a stalwart veteran whose career is as consistent as a classic rerun of The Office—reliable, unshakeable, and always ready to deliver. Evans has clocked 11 consecutive seasons with 1K+ receiving yards, earning him a reputation as the unsung hero of the Buccaneers. Over his career, he’s amassed 836 receptions, a whopping 12,684 receiving yards, and 106 touchdowns. Picture Evans as the seasoned veteran who’s been through every twist and turn the NFL has thrown his way.

The effects of this superstar trade will deeply impact team dynamics. Picture the Bengals freeing up their resources to pursue different opportunities while the Buccaneers gain Chase’s explosive playmaking skills. So buckle up, folks. Because if Ja’Marr Chase heads to Tampa, it might just be the trade of the decade. “I’m going to try to be the most physical receiver in the league, and I’ve got to prove it by going out and dominating physical cornerbacks,” Evans said. And just like that, the NFL just might get its own version of a Game of Thrones–style power shift.