Ex-Mavericks forward declares LA Lakers trade was disrespectful to Luke Doncic

Former Mavericks star Luka Doncic wasn't the only player that Dallas shipped off in the middle of the night last weekend. The franchise traded Markieff Morris and Maxi Kleber alongside Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a package centered around all-star Anthony Davis, flipping the NBA upside down in the process.

The move obviously came as a major shock to all parties involved, including Morris, who had recently bought a home in the Dallas area similar to Doncic. The new Lakers were introduced on Tuesday, giving Morris a spotlight to air out his feelings on the trade.

More than anything, Morris made it clear that he feels like the deal was disrespectful to Doncic, considering everything he poured into the Mavericks for seven years. The veteran forward said multiple people, including himself, thought Doncic would have a statue next to franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki one day.

Feb 28, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) yells at the referees during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Doncic is disheartened after being left out to dry by Dallas GM Nico Harrison but Morris says everything will change in Los Angeles.

"I feel like there's some sorts of disrespect for him. I feel like he obviously thought he was going to be a Maverick for life but everybody told him and we all thought he would have a statue next to Dirk in Dallas," Morris said according to Lakers Nation. "Yeah, so I know he was sad about it, I know he didn't feel good but a couple of weeks are going to pass, and obviously being in that purple and gold, and everything will change."

Morris went on to shut down rumors that have surfaced over the last 48 hours, including a weak claim surrounding Doncic's condition. Morris complimented the 25-year-old for his approach as a teammate.

Jun 9, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Markieff Morris (88) arrives before game two against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

"He's a great guy man, super low maintenance, don't need much. One of the only guys that I've been on a team with that'll play through any injury if he can get on the court," Morris said. "I hear stuff about him not being in shape but if you can go in an NBA game and get 30, 15, and 10 like it's nothing then I don't really know what shape is. I'm confused at that part. You'll see it really soon, you'll make the suggestion if he's in shape or not."

Morris spent the last two seasons of his 14-year professional career with the Mavericks. He won an NBA Championship in 2020 during a previous stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. Morris is set to be a free agent following the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign.

The Full Breakdown Of The Luka Doncic Trade

Mavericks: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 Lakers first-round pick

Lakers: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris

Jazz: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers second-round pick, 2025 Mavericks second-round pick

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