In the world of sports journalism, there are few names more respected than Shams Charania. The Athletic and Stadium reporter has been at the forefront of breaking some of the NBA’s biggest stories over the last few years, and his name is often synonymous with insider information. But recently, Charania shared an unbelievable behind-the-scenes account of how he broke one of the biggest trades in NBA history: the Luka Dončić trade.

The story of how Dončić, one of the most electrifying young talents in the NBA, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, is already legendary. Dončić’s arrival in the NBA was met with high expectations, and now, years later, he is firmly established as one of the league’s brightest stars. However, it was Charania’s inside account of how the trade came to be that has left fans and reporters alike in shock.

Let’s take a deep dive into the insane story of how Shams Charania broke the Luka Dončić trade and the behind-the-scenes drama that almost went unnoticed.

The Build-Up to the Trade

The story begins in 2018, during the NBA Draft. Dončić, who had just led Real Madrid to a EuroLeague title and had been one of the most hyped European prospects in years, was widely considered a top pick. However, the Phoenix Suns held the No. 1 pick in the draft and were reportedly high on Deandre Ayton, the dominant center from Arizona. The Sacramento Kings had the No. 2 pick and were in a similar position, with many expecting them to take either Marvin Bagley III or Luka Dončić.

However, it was the Atlanta Hawks who held the No. 3 pick that ended up setting the stage for the shocking trade that would change the trajectory of the NBA for years to come. The Hawks, led by then-general manager Travis Schlenk, made the decision to trade their pick, Dončić, to the Mavericks in exchange for the No. 5 pick and a future first-round selection.

This trade, while somewhat surprising at the time, would later prove to be one of the most impactful deals in NBA history, as Dončić would go on to become a generational talent. But what many don’t realize is the insane behind-the-scenes story of how Charania was the one who first broke the trade news, even though it was one of the most complex deals ever made.

The Race to Break the News

In his recent interview, Charania revealed that breaking the Luka Dončić trade wasn’t as straightforward as one might think. He explained that there were several key elements in the deal that were kept under wraps until the last moment, and there was a mad scramble to break the news first.

Charania described how, as soon as the trade was agreed upon between the Mavericks and Hawks, several other NBA insiders started scrambling to get the scoop. The trade itself had huge implications: not only was it about a top-three pick in the draft, but it involved a deal that would ultimately reshape the future of both franchises.

Charania’s sources were working overtime, and he had a unique position, as the deal was already “leaked” to a few select reporters. However, getting the official confirmation was a race against the clock, as ESPN and Woj (Adrian Wojnarowski) were closing in, knowing how big this story was. Charania described the moment when he received the tip-off, and the chaos that unfolded behind the scenes as he coordinated with his sources to make sure the details were ironclad before he could report it.

As soon as Charania knew the trade was officially confirmed, he immediately broke the news with a tweet that would change the landscape of the NBA draft. The tweet read:

“The Atlanta Hawks are trading the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the No. 5 pick and a future first-round pick, sources tell me.”

It was a moment of pure adrenaline for Charania, who had been in constant communication with his sources for hours leading up to the announcement. But he wasn’t the only one in the mix. He recalls how, in those final moments, there was an intense sense of competition with other insiders and reporters. The pressure was enormous, but Charania’s ability to stay calm under pressure helped him be the one to break the news, forever cementing his place in NBA journalism history.

The Aftermath and the Impact

Once the news was out, the impact of the trade was immediately felt across the NBA. The Mavericks’ bold move to acquire Dončić was one of the most exciting and daring trades in recent memory. It sent shockwaves through the league, as everyone quickly realized the Mavs had secured their future star for years to come. The Hawks, on the other hand, were betting on Trae Young to lead their franchise and had acquired an additional pick that would help them rebuild.

Looking back, the trade has been viewed as one of the greatest “win-win” deals in NBA history. Dončić, who went on to win Rookie of the Year and has now become a perennial MVP candidate, has turned the Mavericks into a true contender in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Trae Young has blossomed into an All-Star and helped lead the Hawks to the playoffs, even reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.

However, Charania’s role in breaking this story didn’t end with just reporting the trade. He discussed how, in the weeks following the announcement, he was inundated with requests for interviews, and the floodgates of media attention opened as everyone wanted to know more about how the deal came to be. He joked about how his inbox was filled with messages from colleagues, rivals, and NBA insiders who wanted to know the finer details of the trade negotiations, but he remained tight-lipped about certain aspects to protect his sources.

Charania’s reporting on the Dončić trade was a major moment in the history of NBA journalism, and it showcased his ability to break stories under intense pressure while maintaining the integrity of his sources.

The Takeaway: Shams Charania’s Impact on NBA Reporting

Shams Charania’s insane story about breaking the Luka Dončić trade is a testament to his expertise and skill as a sports reporter. His ability to work in a high-pressure environment, manage multiple sources, and break one of the biggest stories in NBA history solidified his status as one of the top insiders in the industry.

While fans and analysts still debate the long-term consequences of the trade, Charania’s story serves as a reminder of the behind-the-scenes hustle that goes into making big news in the sports world. Breaking a trade like that isn’t just about having the right information—it’s about managing relationships, timing, and staying one step ahead of the competition.

As the NBA continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Charania will remain a major force in the world of sports journalism, continuing to deliver breaking news and incredible stories to the world. And for NBA fans, this story of how Luka Dončić ended up in Dallas will always be remembered as one of the most insane trades in league history.