
Over the weekend, Mavericks officials announced the groundbreaking news that the team had traded Slovenian star, Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Given Dončić’s paramount role to the organization, Dallas fans are irate at the trade, voicing their ire toward the Dallas Mavericks on social media, calling the move unforgivable and grounds for a boycott.
The trade was announced late Saturday night, in which the Mavericks would acquire Lakers’ Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick, in return for Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris.
The Wall Street Journal called the move “by every conceivable measure and near-universal consensus, the most shocking trade in the history of the NBA“. The announcement blindsided many, including Lakers’ LeBron James, who found out only the Saturday night before.
Particularly blindsided were (at least then) Dallas Mavericks fans. Throughout this seven-year career with the Dallas Mavericks, Luka Dončić, was a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA First Team, WCF MVP, and 23-25 Scoring champion – becoming one of the most beloved Mavs players in the team’s history.
In response to the stunning trade, Dallas Mavericks fans took to social media to voice their displeasure with the move:
Since the trade was announced, the Dallas Mavericks have uploaded multiple posts on Instagram. Whether in reference to Luka or not, Dallas fans have flooded each with negative comments about the trade, including the following comments:
Fans took particular umbrage with the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to upload their “thank you” post of Luka a day after the trade was announced, after the team made posts welcoming Anthony Davis and Max Christie.
Per Luka’s father:
As for the Dallas Mavericks’ contention on the trade, GM Nico Harrison had this to say: “I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison told ESPN. “I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
In response to the trade, Luka posted a message thanking Dallas fans for their continued support:
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level. I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home. In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most.”
“To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in brining light to those who need it. As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home. Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart”.
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