Dallas Mavericks fans are still feeling the effects of the trade of beloved point and shooting guard Luka Dončić, 26, for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis, 32, on Feb. 1.
The trade was unexpected by many, with discussions of the trade beginning less than a month before it was announced. The trade, initiated by Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison, was conducted in secret, coming as a surprise to not only Dončić and Davis, but also Rob Pelinka, the Lakers GM, when approached about the trade by Harrison in early January.
The entire NBA fanbase, especially Mavericks fans, were stunned when NBA insider Shams Charania reported on X of the trade.
“BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Three-team deal that includes Utah,” Charania posted on X at 11:12 p.m. CT that night.
The report came out of nowhere. Dončić and other players involved heard about the trade through the post, rather than from their bosses and coaches. Dončić had been loved by Mavericks fans and the entire NBA fanbase. The trade did not involve only Dončić and Davis, but also other players from both teams.
Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris are headed to the Lakers for Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick, with Utah also involved. Many fans question whether the deal is reasonable, with Dončić having been a cornerstone player for the team for years.
It was not until the morning of Feb. 2 that the Mavs officially announced the trade in a news report, confirming reports from the night before.
“We are thankful for Luka and grateful for his efforts during his time with us,” Harrison said. “He helped build this team and was an integral part of the success we’ve seen throughout the years, including our recent NBA Finals run, along with Maxi and Markieff who are veteran voices equally valued across this team,” Harrison said in the report.
There have been speculations that Dončić’s lifestyle choices were a main reason for the trade, having fluctuated in weight in recent years and not meeting conditioning requirements. In addition, there were concerns regarding Dončić’s defensive abilities, although he is a strong offensive player.
The morning after the trade was announced, Harrison and Head Coach Jason Kidd addressed members of the media, acknowledging the magnitude of the trade. They expressed hopes for Davis’ defensive potential, looking for a potential championship in the future.
“We feel that defense wins championships and we’re excited to go,” Harrison said. “We feel like we’re built to win now as well as in the future.”
Dončić had been with the Mavericks since the 2018-2019 season, playing one season with Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. Dončić, a Slovenian player who formerly played for Real Madrid, spent seven years in Dallas.
Dončić arrived in Los Angeles less than 24 hours after the trade was announced. The beloved player expected a lifetime in Dallas, having bought a $15 million home not long before the trade.
“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the higher level. I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship,” Dončić wrote on Instagram. “The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of.”
Fans gathered that night in Victory Park to create a makeshift tribute to Dončić, decorated with posters, flowers and other monuments. By the morning of Feb. 3, American Airlines Center staff tore the memorial down, also removing a large banner featuring Dončić.
Days after the trade was announced, photos surfaced of the initial meeting between Harrison and Pelinka at Ascencion Coffee shop in Dallas on Jan. 7, where discussions of the trade began.
In his first game against the Mavericks since the trade, Dončić had 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists with the Lakers, securing a 107-99 victory on the night of Feb. 25. Dončić also secured his first triple-double with the team, three weeks since he had been traded to Los Angeles.
Harrison, who has been criticized for the trade, was serenaded by Lakers fans chanting “Thank you, Nico!” throughout the game.
Recent games without Dončić prove the opinions of Mavs fans on the trade. In their first game without Dončić on the roster, the Mavs lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 144-101. The team was without Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington Jr., Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell.
In the first week after the trade, players and fans alike were shocked of the trade. In Dončić’s first press conference after the trade on Feb. 4, he expressed confidence for his new season with the Lakers.
“That first day was really hard. These last 48 hours felt like a month. Emotionally, it was really hard. Today was much better. I’m just very happy to be here, for this opportunity. This is the Lakers, one of the best clubs in history, so I’m excited to be here,” Dončić said.
As thousands of Dallasites rid of their Dončić number 77 jerseys, Lakers fans began purchasing the same Dončić jersey, but in purple and yellow. Dončić is the first player in the Lakers franchise to wear the number.
Although the Mavericks decided to rid of the young Slovenian, Lakers fans and owners are confident in his abilities with the team.
“I think Luka Doncic joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers is a seismic event in NBA history,” Pelinka said. “We have a 25-year-old global superstar that’s going to get on the stage of the most popular and influential basketball brand on the globe. When those two forces come together, it brings basketball joy to the world because that’s how Luka plays. He plays with joy.”
The Maverick’s season without Dončić has been anything but smooth so far, with both Irving and Davis sustaining injuries in the first few weeks. Irving is out for the 2024-2025 season, following an ACL tear in his left knee in a game against the Sacramento Kings.
It doesn’t help that the Mavericks announced March 3 that season ticket prices are going up 8.61% for the next season. According to the team, the increase reflects ongoing investments in team and fan engagement.
Mark Cuban, former majority owner of the Mavericks and current minority owner, has made it clear he is not in favor of the trade of Dončić. Cuban sold his majority ownership stake to the Adelson family in late 2023, stripping him of any power over the trade.
Many Mavericks fans worry about the future of the team under new ownership with the Dončić trade. NBA commissioner Adam Silver, however, addressed the trade with empathy for fans and trust in the best interests of both teams.
“Whether or not history will ultimately judge this as a smart trade, they did what they thought was in the best interest of their organization,” Silver said. “I have absolutely no knowledge or belief that there were any ulterior motives. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Dumont, Adelson families bought that team to keep it in Dallas.”
Although the trade does not seem ideal, Mavericks fans are looking to the future of the team with hope, as Harrison has expressed the trade was in the long-term best interests of the team.
“This is a new chapter, and we are excited to welcome Anthony Davis and Max to the fold,” Harrison said. “AD is an experienced veteran, who can play both ends of the floor while helping elevate us defensively. He knows first-hand what it takes to win, and I know he’s motivated to be a part of what we’re building in Dallas.”
By: Ashley Paredes ’25
THE BEAR FACTS 