Disarray in Dallas: Mavericks' Luka Doncic trade fallout reaches bizarre levels

DALLAS — Monday night's Sacramento Kings-Dallas Mavericks clash was far from an ordinary NBA game. In fact, it was one of the strangest NBA nights in recent memory. Between fans getting ejected, Mark Cuban yelling at fans, a coach not speaking after the game and more, this Monday night contest featured plenty of distractions. So what exactly is going on in Dallas?

Luka Doncic trade backlash continues to surface

The 2024-25 season has been difficult for the Mavericks. Before two Saturdays ago, injuries were the primary concern. Injuries continue to be a problem, but there is no denying that things have felt rather strange ever since the Mavs made the decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Fans protested outside of the American Airlines Center this past Saturday, which was the Mavs' first home game since the trade. Inside the arena, though, the mood was generally positive. The Mavs ultimately earned a 116-105 win.

Fans ejected from Monday's game

On Monday, though, the fans took some of their protests inside of the arena. On the big screen, a fan was seen mouthing the words “fire Nico.” There were a number of signs indicating a similar message, referencing Mavs fans' frustration with general manager Nico Harrison. Additionally, Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont was booed following recent comments he made that seemingly questioned Doncic's work ethic.

Multiple fans were ejected. The Mavs released a statement in reference to the fans being ejected from the game, via Christian Clark of The Athletic.

“In the first incident, the guest brought in a sign that broke the following rule included in the NBA Code of Conduct: Clothing, garments or signs displaying explicit language, profanity or derogatory characterization towards any person(s).

“In the second incident, the fan wore a T-shirt that also broke the rule above and was also intoxicated, disruptive and uncooperative, all listed in the NBA Fan Code of Conduct.”

Mavericks star Klay Thompson shared his thoughts on the situation while speaking to reporters after the defeat.

“I mean, you can acknowledge it and understand the frustration because Luka was that great and he was home-bred here,” Thompson said. “When you feel like you grew up with someone, it hurts to lose them, especially to a team in your conference. But I signed here and so did everyone else who had an opportunity to for a reason and that's because we believe in the opportunity ahead of us. That's the ability to win.

“It's not our job to get deflated because people are upset, our job is to try and convince them that there's really great days ahead. Not just for this year, but for the next few years. I really believe that we can do something incredibly special.”

However, even Mark Cuban got into it with fans. According to footage shown to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Cuban yelled, “Shut the f— up and sit the f— down!”

The fans were not the only non-basketball talking point following the game, however.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd doesn't speak to reporters

It is expected that the head coach for each NBA team speaks to reporters before and after each game. In my time covering the Mavs, Jason Kidd has not missed a single press conference, that is, until Monday night.

The Mavs head coach did speak to reporters before the game. After games, he is usually the first to speak, even before the players. However, Kidd did not show up within the first 30 minutes of the game ending which led to confusion. Klay Thompson talked with reporters and Kyrie Irving later spoke to the media as well.

So where was Jason Kidd?

Following Irving's press conference, the Mavs announced that Kidd would not be speaking to reporters on Monday night.

As mentioned, I have never seen something like this happen in my time covering the NBA. Tim Cato of DLLS, who has covered the league for 13 seasons, also confirmed that he's never seen anything like it either.

“i’ve covered the NBA for 13 seasons and never before seen this,” Cato wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Will Mavs be able to bounce back amid the adversity?

With the fans' frustration, Kidd's unexpected absence and injury concerns, it's easy to think that the Mavs' season is headed in a terrible direction. Kyrie Irving, a true leader, continues to preach confidence, though. Irving isn't giving up on this Mavs team.

“This is not unusual for teams in our league,” Irving said. “We have such pressure on us right now to win now. I think that's setting in as well. When we started off the season, we're all preaching ‘championship, championship, championship.' It's still the same echo, but when you have a big change it's gonna take an adjustment period. With all the injuries, that's an adjustment period. You just gotta take it one day at a time. It's the toughest thing to do, but mentally this is what separates the good from the great. You just gotta be able to deal with it in stride, man.

“Have fun at the same time because basketball can consume you. It is a very obsessive-like sport for us as players. You know, if you're not obsessing over your craft or what you do for a living, I really don't know how to connect all that way. I'm so passionate about it. I know my teammates feel the same way, and my coaching staff. We just gotta stay together, man, and enjoy this ride no matter what happens.”

Perhaps Wednesday's game will feature less distractions. The Mavericks will host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night at 9:30 PM EST.