Just months after appearing in the NBA Finals, a fanbase is grieving the loss of one of their top players in a significant trade.
A handful of Dallas Mavericks supporters were spotted outside the American Airlines Center on Sunday afternoon conducting a mock funeral to express their disapproval of the team’s choice to trade star point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.
A group of supporters even arrived with a vacant coffin at the event, wearing suits to act as pallbearers, symbolizing what they view as the demise of the franchise.
Numerous fans abandoned signs, jerseys, and other memorabilia—either as a way to honor the enjoyable moments they shared with Doncic or to indicate they were permanently relinquishing their support for the team.
The trade has been heavily criticized by Mavericks fans – who feel that their future rested with the 25-year-old Slovenian guard.
The trade surprised numerous fans, reporters, team owners, executives, and even players since it seemed to come from nowhere.
The ‘funeral’ took place at the foot of the statue honoring Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki, the player Doncic was expected to succeed.
Among the signs were phrases such as ‘This is worse than a breakup’, ‘Worst trade in NBA history Dallas [hearts] Luka’, and ‘Nico is a fraud’.
The latter indication is a direct critique aimed at Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who appeared to take charge of the trade. Part-owner Mark Cuban, who had significant influence over basketball decisions for a long time, claimed he was not involved in the trade.
Reports suggested that Doncic did not want to push his exit from the Mavericks – however, Harrison felt driven to initiate a change.
“I think that strong defense secures championships,” Harrison stated to ESPN about his reason for trading Doncic for Davis.
‘I think acquiring an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player who prioritizes defense enhances our chances.’ “We’re designed to succeed both now and in the future.”
On Sunday night, Doncic issued a statement regarding the trade on his social media platforms.
It said, in part, ‘I believed I would build my career here and I truly wanted to deliver a championship to you. The affection and encouragement I have received from all of you exceeds anything I could have ever imagined.
Following his statement to Mavericks supporters, Doncic then quote-tweeted the Lakers’ official announcement that he was joining their team.
‘Thankful for this incredible chance.’ Basketball is everything to me, and regardless of where I play, I will always do it with the same joy, passion, and aim – to win championships, his tweet stated.
Dallas now features a more even roster in their backcourt. Rather than attempting to establish a framework to allocate playing time for Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, they can now play Irving and Thompson with Davis – one of the best big men in the league.
However, Los Angeles now enjoys the advantage of having a long-term plan with Doncic joining them.
As LeBron James ages, the Slovenian star will effortlessly step into the role of the franchise leader.
Prior to his role as GM of the Mavericks in 2021, Harrison served as a longtime executive at Nike. There, he became infamous for mishandling a presentation in an attempt to persuade Stephen Curry to renew his contract with the brand. Curry ultimately signed a contract with Under Armour.
