Dallas Mavericks fans protest Luka Doncic trade ahead of Anthony Davis' debut home game
DALLAS – Dallas Mavericks fans remain "sad, depressed and angry" over Luka Doncic's trade — and they voiced their dissatisfaction and frustrations ahead of Anthony Davis' first home game.
The game against the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center on Saturday marks the beginning of Davis' tenure with the team following his first media appearance as a Maverick on Friday.
However, his debut faces a growing backlash from fans upset about General Manager Nico Harrison's decision to trade Doncic for the star forward.
"We want [Luka] here, Nico we don't want here anymore," one fan said. "This was not business, it's personal. We want them to sell the team. We want Luka in this city where he belongs."
Hundreds of Mavericks fans gathered outside the arena before the game, holding signs and chanting "Fire Nico!" and calling for the sale of the team. The fans made it clear that their issue is solely with Harrison — not Davis.
"You think you did what was best for the city, you did what was best for you," said one fan dressed like a cowboy. "You know nothing about basketball. Personally, as a Mavs fan, you did the one stupid thing in this world - you traded a generational talent who is still in his prime, and you've given all these excuses about his physical condition. It's just so stupid. You need to resign now, we don't want you here."
'Shocking' Doncic trade
On Saturday, Feb. 1, news broke that the Mavericks traded Doncic, a five-time All-Star, in a surprising blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Mavericks confirmed the decision the following day.
In the trade, the Mavericks sent Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles while acquiring Max Christie, Caleb Martin and a 2029 first-round draft pick.
"We are thankful for Luka and grateful for his efforts during his time with us," Harrison said in a news release. "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."
Davis to Dallas
Davis, 31, is a 10-time All-Star and has been named an All-NBA player five times. He was part of the Lakers team that won the 2020 NBA Championship in the COVID bubble and a gold medal with the U.S. Men's Basketball Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"AD is an experienced veteran, who can play both ends of the floor while helping elevate us defensively," Harrison said. "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."
During his introductory press conference on Friday, Davis acknowledged fans' feelings regarding Doncic's trade, emphasizing that he would never downplay Doncic's significance for both the fans and the city of Dallas — much like his own importance to Los Angeles.
He mentioned that while he couldn't control how fans would react during his home game debut, he could control his performance on the court and his efforts to secure a win for the team.
"I'm not surprised by the fans' reaction or the city's reaction, but it's my job to come in and play basketball and do what I'm supposed to do and give the fans hope and reassurance on why Nico brought me here," Davis said.
Davis said he believes he can add value defensively to an already strong defensive team and also complement their offensive capabilities.
Initially shocked and feeling "mentally just all over the place" after learning about the trade, Davis said he, like many others, struggled to believe it at first.
He said the reality of the situation didn't truly sink in until he boarded the plane to Dallas. However, he added, "You can't stay in that state of emotion for a long time," and he started to feel better once he was around the team.
"The game of basketball allows me, and probably everyone else, to kind of be in a safe place and get away from everything," Davis said. "I know any time I'm going through anything, I can go to the gym. Anything with basketball brings me back to center. It brings me back to peace."
