Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers was always going to be emotional—but a recent ESPN report added an unexpected twist just hours before tipoff. On Wednesday morning, veteran NBA reporter Tim MacMahon released a piece that cast the Mavericks in a troubling financial light, claiming the team is facing major losses following its shocking trade of Doncic earlier this season.
The five-time All-Star was traded to the Lakers on February 2 in a blockbuster three-team deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas and included multiple role players and draft picks.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended the decision, pointing to long-term concerns about Doncic’s conditioning and the salary cap implications of a looming supermax deal. Still, many fans—and even some within the league—were stunned by the move, especially given Doncic’s elite production and deep connection to the city.
Since the trade, Doncic has averaged 27.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game with L.A., while Dallas continues to face criticism for how they handled the deal.
MacMahon’s report added fuel to the fire.
“It’s a decision, team sources told ESPN, that probably will cost the franchise nine figures over the next several years,” MacMahon wrote. “The Mavs are projected to lose dozens of millions in revenue this season due to dwindling crowds, plummeting merchandise sales and sponsors severing ties with the franchise in the wake of the trade.”
Wednesday night’s matchup between the Lakers and Mavericks is Doncic’s first game back in Dallas since the deal—and it comes just one day after he was ejected from a game for a verbal exchange courtside, once again landing him in headlines.
But for Mavericks leadership, the drama might just be getting started—especially off the court.
