Luka Doncic trade: Dallas Mavericks fans gather at AAC to show frustration
DALLAS - The Dallas Mavericks are playing in Cleveland on Sunday, but fans still showed up to the American Airlines Center to express their frustration with the team's decision to trade Luka Dončić.
Fans put shirts, flowers and signs on the steps of the AAC, near the site of Dirk Nowitzki's statue, to honor Dončić and vent about the team's decision.
Some signs called for answers about the reasoning behind the decision to trade Luka and others announced they were renouncing their fandom.
"I'm sick," read a sign held by one fan.
FOX 4 crews spotted teams cleaning up graffiti near the statue, where someone had written a profane message to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.
What they're saying:
"It was like waking up to a nightmare," said Lillian McCall, a Mavs fan "We're boycotting the Mavs now. Luka is Dallas."
"This is like a funeral right now," said Dan Kallab. "We're not mad, we're just sad."
"Luka, you were supposed to stay here forever. We love you, Luka. My kids were supposed to watch you," said Miguel Castro, who drove two hours from Cleburne to be at the AAC.
"This is the worst moment of my life," said Finesse Faith. "Luka filled that stadium. Who's going to fill that stadium now?"
"What is inscribed on the statue over there, Dirk's statue, it says loyalty never fades away. And apparently that's only a one-way street. That only matters for the players," said Blake Combs. "Loyalty definitely faded away from the organization. They didn't hold up their end of the bargain. He was loyal and they weren't, so I guess that inscription doesn't mean anything."
What's next:
The Dallas Mavericks next home game is Feb. 8 against the Houston Rockets.
Luka Dončić Trade
What we know:
Here is the full trade:
- Dallas Mavericks receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 LA Lakers first-round pick
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
- Utah Jazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 LA Clippers second-round pick, 2025 Dallas Mavericks second-round pick
What we don't know:
The Mavericks say at this time they do not know when the first time Davis and Christie will suit up for the Mavericks.
The Lakers have also not commented on a timeline for when the ex-Mavericks will put on the purple and gold.
Dončić has been out since Christmas with a calf injury.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Dallas Mavericks and fans at the AAC.