Dallas Maverick’s fans protest Luka Doncic Trade in front of Anthony Davis’ debut home game

Dallas – Dalla’s Maverick’s fans remain “sad, depressed and anger” over Luka Doncic’s trade – and they expressed their dissatisfaction and frustrations in front of Anthony Davis’ first home match.

The game against Houston Rockets, set for Saturday at the American Airlines Center, marks the beginning of Davis’ mandate period with the team after his first media performance as a Maverick Friday.

However, his debut is facing a growing setback from fans who are upset by General Manager Nico Harrison’s decision to trade Doncic to the star forward.

“We want to (Luka) here, Nico, we don’t want here anymore,” said a fan. “This wasn’t business. It’s personal. We want them to sell the team. We want Luka in this city where he belongs.”

Hundreds of Mavericks fans gathered outside the arena before the game, kept signs and sang “Fire Nico!” and calls for the sale of the team. The fans made it clear that their questions are exclusively at Harrison – not Davis.

“You think you did what was best for the city, you did what was best for you,” said a fan dressed like a cowboy. “You know nothing about basketball. Personally, like a Mavs fan, you did the one stupid thing in this world – you traded a generation talent that is still in his primary and you have given all these excuses for his physical state. That is just so stupid.

On Saturday, February 1, news that Mavericks traded Doncic, a five-time all-star, broke in a surprising blockbuster deal that sent shock waves through the NBA. Mavericks confirmed the decision the following day.

In the trade, Maverick’s Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris sent to Los Angeles while acquiring Max Christie, Caleb Martin and a first round election in 2029.

“We are grateful for Luka and grateful for his efforts in his time with us,” Harrison said in a news message. “He helped build this team and was an integral part of the success we have seen over the years, including our recent NBA final, along with Maxi and Markieff, who are veteran voices that are equally appreciated across this team. “

Davis, 31, is a 10-time all-star and has been appointed an all-NBA player five times. He was part of the Lakers team, which won the 2020 NBA championship in Covid Bubble and a gold medal with the American men’s basketball team at Paris -ol in 2024.

“AD is an experienced veteran who can play both ends of the floor while he helps raise us defensively,” Harrison said. “He knows what it takes to win, and I know he is motivated to be part of what we build in Dallas.”

During his introductory press conference on Wednesday, Davis recognized fans’ feelings about Doncic’s trade and emphasized that he would never negate Doncic’s importance to both fans and the city of Dallas – just as his own importance to Los Angeles.

He mentioned that although he couldn’t control how fans would react during his home game debut, he could control his performance on the field and his efforts to secure a victory for the team.

“I’m not surprised at the fans’ reaction or the city’s reaction, but it’s my job to come in and play basketball and do what to do and give fans hope and assurance of why Nico brought me hit,” Davis said.

Davis said he thinks he can add value defensively to an already strongly defensive team and also complement their offensive capabilities.

Originally shocked and feeling “mentally just everywhere” after learning about trade, Davis said that, like many others, he struggled to believe it first.

He said the reality of the situation did not really sink in until he boarded the plane to Dallas. However, he added, “you can’t stay in that state of emotion for a long time,” and he started to feel better when he was around the team.

“The basketball game gives me and probably everyone else the opportunity to be in a safe place and get away from everything,” Davis said. “I know anytime I go through something I can go to the gym. Everything with basketball brings me back to the middle. It brings me back to peace.”