Mass Exit: Mavericks feeling consequences from fanbase over baffling Luka Doncic trade

Outside of Luka Doncic, no one is more upset over the Mavericks' shocking decision to move on from the superstar than the fanbase. After supporting Doncic when he was drafted in 2018 and watching him grow with the franchise, supporters are now forced to watch the 25-year-old play for a different team - and it's the Los Angeles Lakers, of all places.

The ire is evident across social media as hundreds of fans have shared their cancellations of season tickets or television packages. There's simply no justifying what the Mavericks did to Doncic following his vast list of contributions to the franchise and likelihood of being a Hall of Fame talent.

Feb 2, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks fans walk to the arena with a coffin during a mock funeral before the game between the Dallas Stars and the Columbus Blue Jackets at American Airlines Center to protest the trade of Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The trickle-down effect has led to mass unfollowings of the team's social pages. Dallas had over 5.3 million followers before Doncic was traded to the Lakers. In the days since, the Mavericks had dropped down to 4.6 million followers which is a decrease of around 700,000.

The team even saw Doncic unfollow the page, though he's still keeping up with the Dallas Cowboys.

Former Mavericks forward Markieff Morris claimed that Dallas disrespected Doncic with the trade. Doncic had recently bought a house in the area and never gave the franchise any indication he wanted to move.

"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."

The Mavericks pulled off a draft-day trade to acquire Doncic in exchange for Trae Young in 2018. He led the franchise to an appearance in the NBA Finals less than a year ago. Despite being limited by injuries this season, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and 2.0 steals in 35.7 minutes per game over 22 appearances. Doncic hasn't been able to return to the court since suffering a calf ailment on Christmas Day.

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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