Dallas Mavericks fans are clearly hurt after Luka Don?i?, their five-time All-NBA first-team player who just led the team to the NBA Finals, was sent to the Lakers in one of the most shocking sports trades in history.
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Mavericks Fans Showcase Displeasure with Harrison's Deal for Luka Doncic
ESPN's Tim MacMahon claimed its escalated to where Dallas GM Nico Harrison, the man who spearheaded the deal, has been subject to death threats and racist remarks.
Tim MacMahon:
"Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats…security is going to be beefed up. There will be protests outside. Lines have been crossed.” 😳
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 7, 2025
MacMahon said the Mavericks planned to beef up security for their game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, the first at home since trading away Don?i?. Even still, Mavericks fans made it clear they will not be deterred, and their frustrations will be heard.
Well over an hour before their 3:00 p.m. ET tip-off, fans gathered for a protest outside of the American Airlines Center. Footage from demonstration revealed droves of MFFL's holding signs that read "LOYALTY DIED #FIRENICO," "LOYALTY FADED AWAY" and "TRADE NICO" while chanting "Fire Nico!"
Dallas Mavericks fans would like the team’s GM fired pic.twitter.com/hA43ZLeHNX
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 8, 2025
Anthony Davis Expresses Excitement About New Journey in Dallas
One of the newest Mavericks, former NBA champion Anthony Davis, tried for an optimistic outlook upon his arrival to Dallas. Though even he would never try and downplay what Doncic meant to MFFLs.
"I understand it," Davis said Friday regarding the fans' outrage. "Obviously it's a business, and I get who Luka was to this franchise, to the city.
"So I'm not surprised by the fans' reaction and 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 [GM] Nico [Harrison] brought me here."
