Adam Silver denies having veto power on Luka Doncic trade controversy

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver oversaw an eventful 2024-25 season, which was headlined by Luka Doncic's memorable trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the LA Lakers. The trade rocked the NBA, with many questioning if Silver had the power to override that blockbuster deal.

On Monday's episode of the "Club 520" podcast, the Silver was asked by host Jeff Teague about what the league office does when a trade of that magnitude is on the verge of happening. In response, Silver took the opportunity to quash a misconception about his seat of power.

"One of the misnomers out there is that I have the power to disapprove a trade. I don't," Silver said.

Silver, who took over as the commissioner in February 2014, clarified the league office's role in facilitating trades.

"Before the trade is known publicly, it gets called into the league office," he explained. "Both teams have to get on the phone. Lawyers and people in basketball operations literally line up the contract."

Silver went on to characterize the Doncic trade as "a good example where the teams are very secretive." According to the commissioner, he found out about the deal just hours before the public did.

"That wasn't a player move that people were talking about or shows like yours were talking about," Silver told Teague. "I was surprised, from that standpoint."

It's certainly possible for a trade even bigger than Doncic's to happen during Silver's regime. But, according to the commissioner, he won't be the one to stop it from happening.]

Adam Silver on All-Star Game format: "We have not put our best foot forward"

Later on in the podcast, Silver was asked about his ideas for the next edition of the NBA All-Star Game. He admitted that the All-Star Game has room for improvement.

"We have not put our best foot forward," Silver said. "The players recognize that, we recognize that." [Timestamp - 32:37]

Silver added that the league is looking into adapting the international format that hockey fans saw in the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off.

However, he expressed his hesitation about doing a strictly "USA vs. The World" matchup, given that only 30% of the league's players come from other countries while the rest hail from the United States.