A crowd of Dallas Mavericks fans have gathered downtown outside the American Airlines Center, protesting Saturday night’s trade that will send fan favorite Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The trade, which centers around Doncic and Laker’s center Anthony Davis, is one of the largest in recent NBA history and has sent shockwaves through the basketball world.
But in Dallas, fans of Doncic and the Mavericks are upset about his departure, which came out of nowhere, as a deal was struck before any information about it was made public.
Fans could be seen holding signs meant to send a message to Mavericks General Manager Nico Harris, as some claimed he betrayed the team while others said to “burn in hell.”
“This is worse than a breakup,” one fan’s sign read.
Others dubbed the deal the “worst trade in NBA history.”
Harrison has commented on the trade, offering an explanation for the deal on Sunday.
“I understand why they would be shocked, initially,” Harrison told The News. “But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future.
“And that’s ultimately the goal and why we’re here. It’s one of those things where it’s my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost.”
In exchange for Doncic, 25, who has five First Team all NBA nominations, a former Rookie of the Year, and perennial MVP candidate, the Mavericks are receiving the Lakers’ 2029 First Round draft pick, star center Anthony Davis, and other assets.
Doncic has not yet commented on the trade.