On February 2, 2025, the Mavericks traded Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick.
Harrison defended the trade, emphasizing a shift towards a defense-first philosophy, stating, “Defense wins championships”.
The Mavericks’ season took a downturn post-trade. Despite Davis’s initial 40-point performance, injuries plagued the team. Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and Davis himself was sidelined with a strained adductor. The team concluded the regular season with a 39-43 record, missing the playoffs after a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament.
Meanwhile, Doncic thrived with the Lakers, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. His performance was instrumental in the Lakers securing the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Doncic’s departure left a void in Dallas, both in terms of on-court production and fan sentiment.
The trade sparked outrage among Mavericks fans. Protests erupted outside the American Airlines Center, with chants of “Fire Nico” becoming commonplace at various events.
Season ticket renewals dropped, and the team’s relationship with its fanbase suffered significantly.
The Mavericks now face a period of introspection and rebuilding.
The decision to trade Doncic serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability.
