#lukabook

Devin collapsed onto one of the plastic seats of the bench, towel thrown over his head. He knew he had to closed out the quarter but at least this gives him a break or some sorts.

The arena was loud as you expect but in the middle of a random play, the energy shifted. Devin sat up and looked around. The fans behind were on their phones, shock written clear as day on their faces.

And then he heard it.

‘Luka got traded.’

“What?” Devin said, meeting the eyes of a wide-eyed Kevin Durant.

“He got traded, Luka.”

“Luka Garza?” Devin asked and pointed to the said player on the court. KD surely couldn’t be talking about his Luka, Luka Dončić, because he would never request a trade.

In the late night talks the two would have, Luka had softly said he would retire a Maverick while tracing patterns on Devin’s chest. Devin understood that. He’s been with the Suns for his entire career and they treat him so well, he would honestly rather die than request a trade.

“No,” KD’s voice broke through Devin’s thinking, “Luka Dončić. The Mavs traded him for AD.”

Devin froze.

“Is that the full trade?”

KD gave him his phone.

Devin looked over it once, twice, thrice, even four times.

It was his Luka, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris for AD, Max Christie and 2029 first round pick.

What the fuck.

“Devin! You’re in!”

Devin looked up at his coach, wanting to say no and to run to the back and call Luka, but only 2 minutes remain and who knows, maybe the Suns would trade Devin if he refused.

Devin blacked out for the rest of the game. He didn’t know if they lost or won or if he had 30 points or anything. He just remembers walking to the back and pulling his phone out the call Luka.

The phone ringed in the empty hallway.

The call went through but no one said anything.

Devin spoke first.

“Luka?”

Sobs wept through the phone speaker, startling Devin.