The NBA is now dominated by international stars like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as the league continues its global expansion.

On Saturday, one of the league’s biggest international icons was unexpectedly traded to its largest market when the Dallas Mavericks sent franchise point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The move stunned the entire league, as Doncic is undoubtedly a top-three player in the NBA and was fresh off an NBA Finals appearance. Following the shocking trade, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, another of the league’s premier international stars, revealed that he reached out to Doncic.

“I text him,” Jokic said. “He felt it, of course. I think he didn’t expect it, of course. I think he just needs to be with family right now, it’s a big move. It’s a business, I don’t know. I think nobody expected it, especially him. I think nobody is safe in the league. But I think he’s going to do a good job. I think he’s the player for a big scene, even though I thought in Dallas he had something special going.”

Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) speaks with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

A player of Doncic’s caliber getting traded without notice and without a request is unheard of in today’s NBA and has many of the league’s top stars wondering if they will be next.

Jokic’s honest message is likely how the majority of the league is feeling after the groundbreaking deal and gives insight into how even Doncic was shocked after the unexpected trade.