The atmosphere outside the American Airlines Center on Saturday was electric, but not in the way the Dallas Mavericks would have hoped. Hundreds of fans gathered to protest against General Manager Nico Harrison and the team’s ownership following the shocking trade of franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The trade, which sent Doncic, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick, has been described as one of the most shocking in NBA history. Doncic, a five-time All-Star and the face of the Mavericks franchise, was traded for an older star and a draft pick, leaving fans and analysts alike in disbelief.
As fans arrived at the arena, chants of “Fire Nico!” and “We want Luka!” echoed through the plaza. Signs with messages like “LOYALTY DIED” and “TRADE NICO” were held high, reflecting the deep sense of betrayal felt by the Mavericks’ fanbase. Some fans even brought a life-sized cutout of Harrison with a clown nose, while others carried a casket to symbolize the death of loyalty to the team.
Dallas Mavericks fans would like the team’s GM fired pic.twitter.com/hA43ZLeHNX
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 8, 2025
Dallas Mavericks fans brought out the casket and are having a funeral, taking a knee in prayer for their loss of Luka Doncic pic.twitter.com/8FxURD5FvT
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 8, 2025
LUKA BILLBOARDS: We found one of the digital billboards that have gone up in Dallas. #MFFL
STORY: https://t.co/mBDUPmATuM pic.twitter.com/Dhfm25JMtG
— WFAA (@wfaa) February 8, 2025
Dallas Mavericks fans outside American Airlines Center pic.twitter.com/eAQTMeW7Dj
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) February 8, 2025
LOL Mavericks fans protesting this morning in front of their stadium chanting, “sell the team” 😂🤣pic.twitter.com/N70U6zjmYm
— Jacob (@Jacobtheclipper) February 2, 2025
“He’s not fat, bring him back” is a generational chantpic.twitter.com/uAICc5GEok
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 8, 2025
“Sell the team.”
Dallas Mavericks fans are protesting two hours before the team’s first home game since trading away Luka Dončić.
📷 @cclark_13pic.twitter.com/a5aACiD6V1
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 8, 2025
MAV Fans are protesting outside of AA Arena in Dallas for the return of Luka as they chant “FIRE NICO” and “BRING LUKA HOME”. Maverick ownership did DFW fans dirty. Pathetic. Extreme disappointment for all Luka fans. This may turn into a J6 moment. pic.twitter.com/YpfrDKh7YS
— Stoneee (@Republic420ING) February 8, 2025
The protests were not just limited to chants and signs. Some fans even brought QR codes linking to petitions calling for the removal of Harrison and the current ownership group led by Miriam Adelson. The emotional toll of the trade was evident, with fans expressing their frustration and disappointment over the decision.
Despite the backlash, the Mavericks’ ownership and front office seemed unprepared for the extent of the fan outrage. Security was ramped up for the game against the Houston Rockets, with concerns about the safety of the team and staff.
As the Mavericks move forward without their star player, the challenge will be to rebuild trust with their fanbase and find a way to move past this tumultuous period.
