Mavericks fans expressed outrage on Sunday following the unexpected trade of star player Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade, which occurred just a day before, also involved reserve forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris moving to the Lakers. In return, the Dallas Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis, a 31-year-old All-NBA big man, wing Max Christie, and the Lakers' 2029 first-round pick. The trade, negotiated in secrecy by Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, left Doncic blindsided.
The 25-year-old Doncic, a five-time first-team All-NBA selection, was entering his prime and had previously led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. Fans gathered outside the American Airlines Center on Sunday to protest the decision. They held signs criticizing general manager Nico Harrison for the trade. The protest reflected the deep discontent among Dallas supporters who had not anticipated losing their star player.
In response to the backlash, Mavericks vice president of corporate communications Erin Finegold acknowledged the fans' frustration.
"We value every season ticket member relationship and reps are available to take calls from members with any concerns or questions," said Erin Finegold.
The organization moved swiftly to address the dissatisfaction by offering refunds to fans who canceled their season tickets following the trade. Multiple fans confirmed to ESPN that they had indeed canceled their season tickets as they grappled with the shocking news.
General manager Nico Harrison defended the decision, despite the uproar it caused among fans.
"I'm sorry they're frustrated, but it's something that we believe in as an organization," stated Nico Harrison.
The trade has been viewed as a strategic move by the Mavericks, aiming to strengthen their roster with seasoned talent and future prospects. However, the departure of a beloved player like Doncic, who has been instrumental in elevating the team's performance on the court, has left many fans feeling betrayed.
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