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The old saying goes that time heals all wounds, but apparently, 13 days isn't enough time to heal the wound that general manager Nico Harrison opened up in the hearts of Dallas Mavericks fans who expected to watch Luka Doncic win awards and titles over the next decade. Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 1st Round pick in a deal that has been described as shocking by basically anyone who has weighed in on the swap.
On Saturday afternoon, San Antonio Spurs center/alien/savior/superstar Victor Wembanyama offered his two cents on the trade during his availability during NBA All-Star Media Day. Even though Wembanyama is like no one else in the league — or the rest of the world for that matter — his reaction to the deal was similar to that of the rest of us in that he believes it's “the craziest trade” he's ever seen.
Asked Victor Wembanyama about the Luka-AD trade and the outlook of this new version of the #Mavs given they’re in the same division as the #Spurs:
“What really strikes me is how the Mavs fans are hurting…Two weeks after, it’s still the craziest trade I’ve ever seen.” pic.twitter.com/HYxcJOUBED
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 15, 2025
“What really strikes me is how the Mavs fans are hurting,” Wembanyama said, per Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. “How they feel, it's something that I think was a really strong emotion.”
Nothing that Victor Wembanyama does on a basketball court is understated, but this statement qualifies as such.
Frustrated Mavericks fans feel betrayed after Luka Doncic trade
Nico Harrison's decision to trade away Luka Doncic provides a snapshot a rare moment where sports manages to take on a much larger meaning in the culture than just a game. Tell any Mavericks fan that this is just a game and they'd be prone to smacking you over the head with their oversized ‘Fire Nico' sign. And let me tell you, it would probably be warranted.
These fans in Dallas were anticipating being able to spend two decades with someone who a ceiling of a top ten player ever. A player with a charming smile, a ruthless competitive streak, and the ability to make shots, see passing angles and conjure magic in a way that only a handful of players ever have had. And to make matters worse, they had to sit by and listen to Harrison and Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont trash talk Luka on his way out, even though Luka gave no indication of ever wanting to leave Dallas.
This is the sports equivalent of Brutus betraying Julius Caesar. It's Fredo setting up Michael Corleone to be murdered. It's Benedict Arnold turning his back on the Continental Army to plot with the Red Coats.
So yes, indeed there are some strong emotions.