Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Mavericks

Mavericks coach Darrell Armstrong arrested on aggravated assault charge

Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested in the early hours of Saturday and charged with aggravated assault on his girlfriend, police said.

Dallas police officers were called to the 1000 block of Ross Ave. in downtown Dallas around 3:45 a.m., where an investigation found Armstrong and his girlfriend had been in an argument.

At one point, Armstrong hit her with a gun and threatened to shoot her, according to police. An arrest warrant affidavit for Armstrong, obtained by FOX 4 Dallas, said the incident started due to his girlfriend questioning him about a text from another woman.

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Orlando Magic player Darrell Armstrong is inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

The victim reportedly told police Armstrong had been drinking that night and demanded she give him her keys to their apartment. She then claimed Armstrong was on the phone with another person when he picked up a pistol and hit her on the side of the face.

Authorities said they saw a mark on the woman’s cheek below her left eye.

MAVERICKS MINORITY OWNER MARK CUBAN INVITES FAN EJECTED FOR ‘FIRE NICO’ PROTEST BACK TO SIT COURTSIDE

“‘I’m going to shoot you,’” the victim said, reportedly quoting what Armstrong allegedly said to her as he loaded the weapon.

The Mavericks released a statement on Sunday afternoon regarding Armstrong’s arrest.

“The Dallas Mavericks are aware of an incident involving a member of our staff and are gathering all relevant information surrounding the incident,” the statement reads, per FOX 4 Dallas. “We take this matter seriously. The employee has been placed on administrative suspension pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

Orlando Magic player Darrell Armstrong is inducted into Orlando Magic Hall of Fame by CEO Alex Martins during the first half at Amway Center. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

“This matter is currently under review by the appropriate legal authorities. Due to this fact, we will allow the legal process to run its course and we will refrain from further comment while proceedings are ongoing.”

Armstrong has been an assistant coach with the Mavericks since 2009, being a part of the 2011 NBA-champion squad along the way.

He is a member of the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, having spent nine of his 14 NBA seasons with the franchise. Armstrong initially played overseas from 1991-94 before the Magic gave him a shot during the 1994-95 season.

Armstrong went on to win the 1998-99 Most Improved Player Award and Sixth Man of the Year Award after averaging 13.8 points, 6.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds mostly off the bench over 50 games.

Darrell Armstrong (Dallas Police Department)

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Armstrong also played for the Mavericks, New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers and New Jersey Nets during his career, which ended in 2008.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 16, 2025
Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban invites fan ejected for ‘Fire Nico’ protest back to sit courtside

A Dallas Mavericks fan ejected from a game this week after protesting against general manager Nico Harrison for the Luka Doncic trade was invited back to sit courtside courtesy of minority owner Mark Cuban.

Garrett Bussey and his friend Chris Taylor, die-hard Mavericks fans, were among the few fans that were ejected from Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings after they shouted “Fire Nico,” a message they also had printed on their shirts.

A fan with a #77 jersey yells “Fire Nico,” referencing Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison as a security member approaches him in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The pair told WFAA during an interview this week that the incident took place during the second half of the game while the Mavericks shot free throws.

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“We did ‘Fire Nico’ [chant], and it was the first time we had done it all night,” Taylor told the station. They were quickly met by security and escorted out of American Airlines Center for allegedly violating the NBA code of conduct rules.

Taylor also told the station that Cuban “started yelling” at him before he was escorted out, further escalating the situation.

In a statement to WFAA, Cuban explained his side of things.

“Fans were booing during crunch time while we had the ball and while we were shooting FTs (free throws). I wanted to see why. So, I looked where they were looking. When the guy (it was just one) saw me, he started screaming at me. I had no idea what he said, he was a good 25 rows away, but he was obviously mad.”

Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center on Nov. 6, 2024. (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)

MAVERICKS FANS EJECTED OVER ‘FIRE NICO’ PROTESTS AMID GROWING ANIMOSITY OVER LUKA DONCIC TRADE

Cuban added to his statement, saying that the shouting from the fan happened the “whole game.”

“I didn’t care what he was saying. He was saying it the whole game. I cared that fans were booing him while we had the ball in crunch time or were shooting FTs. The time when they should be silent, or cheering for the Mavs, that was it.”

Bussey told WMAQ that he spoke with Cuban after the game and was invited back to sit courtside with his 7-year-old son for Wednesday’s game.

Bussey called it a “step in the right direction” for a fan base that was left reeling after the team’s star player was traded away.

A pair of fans, one waving, are escorted out of the game after holding up a sign that said “Fire Nico,” referencing the Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season and helped the Mavericks reach an NBA Finals appearance, but he was dealt away to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most controversial trades in recent memory.

Fans have since expressed their disdain for Harrison, the mastermind behind the trade, prompting the organization to reportedly increase his security before last weekend’s games.

At least one other fan was ejected from Monday’s game for a similar protest.

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February 14, 2025
Mavericks fans ejected over ‘Fire Nico’ protests amid growing animosity over Luka Doncic trade

It was an exodus of disgruntled Dallas Mavericks fans at American Airlines Center on Monday night after security was seen escorting several people out of the arena after they called for general manager Nico Harrison’s job following the Luka Doncic trade.

Security escorted out several fans that either held up “Fire Nico” signs or shouted out the phrase during the Mavericks’ one-point loss to the Sacramento Kings.

A pair of fans, one waving, is escorted out of the game after holding up a sign that said “Fire Nico,” referencing the Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, during the game against the Sacramento Kings in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

During a karaoke segment where fans sang along to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” one man was shown on the Jumbotron mouthing the phrase “Fire Nico.”

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The camera quickly panned away.

That same man was also seen holding a sign with the same phrasing. He and another man holding the sign were later seen being escorted away from their seats in a video shared on social media.

According to The Dallas Morning News, two more fans were escorted out in the fourth quarter. Each time, the escorts were met by boos from fans in the surrounding area.

A fan yells, “Fire Nico,” referencing Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison as security approaches him during the Sacramento Kings game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

MAVERICKS GM GETTING BOOST IN SECURITY FOR FIRST HOME GAME SINCE LUKA DONČIĆ TRADE AFTER DEATH THREATS: REPORT

Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season and helped the Mavericks reach an NBA Finals appearance, but was dealt away to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most controversial trades in recent memory.

Fans have since expressed their disdain for Harrison, the mastermind behind the trade, prompting the organization to reportedly increase his security before Saturday’s game over the weekend.

The Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks got Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick. To complete the deal, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

Mavericks guard Luka Doncic drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis in Dallas, Dec. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

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But Davis sustained a groin injury in his debut for Dallas and will be sidelined at least through the All-Star break.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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February 11, 2025
Mavericks’ Anthony Davis suffers injury in debut following blockbuster trade

The Dallas Mavericks suffered a case of awful luck on Saturday.

Anthony Davis, the team’s acquisition in its stunning trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, suffered a groin injury in the team’s win over the Houston Rockets. He left the game early and was ruled out for Monday’s contest against the Sacramento Kings.

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Mavericks forward Anthony Davis handles the game ball against the Houston Rockets, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Davis may be out longer.

ESPN reported that Davis suffered a left adductor strain and that he could be out for a few weeks. The power forward tried to downplay concern about the ailment.

“Just the leg got tight, like a little spasm,” he said after the game against the Rockets. “Just came back and tried to get it loose and everything. Obviously, dealing with the ab strain still, so just tried to get it loose. It wouldn’t really loosen up and let go, but it’s nothing serious. I’m fine.”

Mavericks forward Anthony Davis waits for a timeout in front of the bench during the Houston Rockets game, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

LUKA DONČIĆ ODDS: WHAT KINDS OF NUMBERS CAN HE PUT UP WITH THE LAKERS?

The concern about Davis’ health comes amid the Mavericks’ trade of Luka Doncic. The deal stunned the rest of the league and fans of the NBA. It resonated so much that NFL stars were left just as confused as anyone while at Super Bowl LIX radio row in New Orleans last week.

Davis isn’t a scrub in his own right. The nine-time All-Star played 76 games during the 2023-24 season but has missed at least 20 games in each of the last five seasons.

Mavericks forward Anthony Davis leaves the game, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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He averaged 25.7 points, 12 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in 43 games this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 10, 2025
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd says he was unaware of shocking Luka Dončić trade until ‘eleventh hour’

Luka Dončić, a five-time All-NBA first-teamer who is only 25 years old, was traded last week for Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis in a deal that caught everyone in the league by surprise.

Dallas fans were especially upset, with many seemingly agreeing that Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison gave up too much and received too little.

Maverick head coach Jason Kidd recently addressed the angst.

“Our sympathy goes to the fans,” Kidd said after the Mavs’ win over the Boston Celtics Feb. 6.

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd with guard Luka Dončić (77) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 26, 2024. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Two days later, Kidd made a surprising admission about his involvement leading up to the blockbuster trade. He said he learned a deal involving Dončić was in progress at the “eleventh hour.”

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“Eleventh hour. Just got a call to come up to the room and was told about the trade,” Kidd said, responding to a question about when he found out Dončić was on the trading block.

Kidd, a former Mavericks point guard, added he can only coach the players on the roster.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd speaks to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić (77) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, March 17, 2024. (Kevin Jairaj/USA Today Sports)

“I’m an employee of the Mavs. I’ve said this before, and some of you maybe overlooked it: I’m the coach. I coach the players that are here. We made a trade, and we’ve got to push forward. That’s what we’re doing,” Kidd said.

“No one’s going to feel bad for us. Trades happen in this game. Things change, coaches change, teams get sold. A lot of things happen that are out of our control, but you’ve got to continue to just do your job, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m the coach. I’m not the decision-maker. I’m here to coach the team that’s given to me, and then I’m judged on that by you guys.”

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Davis sat out Thursday’s game with an abdominal strain. He made his debut with Dallas Saturday, recording a 26-point double-double before exiting the game against the Houston Rockets with a lower-body injury.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 9, 2025
Anthony Davis leaves Mavericks debut with injury after being traded for Luka Dončić

Dallas Mavericks fans were hostile Saturday during the team’s first home game since Luka Dončić was traded.

The 25-year-old reigning scoring champion was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers, who gave up Anthony Davis in return.

Davis made his Dallas debut Saturday amid protests and chants calling for the firing of general manager Nico Harrison outside before the game.

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Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis leaves a game against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

It all started as Harrison had imagined. Davis dominated the first half with 24 points and 13 rebounds.

However, less than four minutes into the third quarter, Davis appeared to injure his groin. Davis had been out with an abdominal strain earlier in the week.

Davis went down without contact as Alperen Sangun of the Houston Rockets drove past him for a layup. Davis grabbed his groin area as he walked slowly toward the offensive end and stayed in the corner near the Dallas bench while his team ran the offense.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis celebrates during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

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Davis didn’t try to go back the other way after the Rockets regained possession. The Mavericks committed a foul to stop the clock and get Davis out of the game. He stayed in the bench area briefly before leaving the court, and he was not spotted on the bench in the fourth quarter.

The 31-year-old big man has had injury issues in the past, but he did play in a career-high 76 games last year.

Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after an injury in a game against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center Feb. 8, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

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The Mavs got a 116-105 win, but surely their fans are holding their breath.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 9, 2025
Mavericks GM getting boost in security for first home game since Luka Dončić trade after death threats: report

The Dallas Mavericks will play their first home game since the organization traded Luka Dončić Saturday, and general manager Nico Harrison will be on alert.

The trade took the entire sports world by surprise, and Mavs fans have made their displeasure known.

The anger is understandable. A 25-year-old global superstar who led the NBA in scoring last year and helped the Mavs to an NBA Finals appearance was traded away.

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center in Dallas Jan. 27, 2025. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

Protests took place outside American Airlines Center Sunday, with one group of fans even bringing a casket to signify their fandom dying.

But other fans have apparently taken it to an unacceptable level and have made death threats against Harrison.

According to ESPN, that has led to “beefed up” security for Harrison for Saturday’s game.

“This is a heartbroken fan base. There have been some very unfortunate developments regarding that anger. Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats. There have been racial epithets included in some of those. Certainly, security is going to be beefed up. There will be protests outside the arena,” Tim McMahon said on Friday.

“Nico Harrison is not going to be in his normal seat. There’s no reason to subject him to that kind of security risk. That has been an unfortunate part of this storyline. Obviously, the fans’ anger, they have every right to feel like they got a generational superstar ripped away from them, but, certainly, lines have been crossed.”

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at UCLA Health Training Center. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)

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Harrison cited defense as a primary reason for the trade, while also noting the risk Dončić, eligible for a $345 million contract, could have left the team next year.

“We really feel like we got ahead of what was going to be a tumultuous summer, him being eligible for the supermax and also a year away from him being able to opt out of any contract,” Harrison said earlier this week. “And so we really felt like we got out in front of that. We know teams, they’ve had it out there, teams have been loading up to try to sign him once that comes available.”

The Lakers acquired Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks got Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick. To complete the deal, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

In the Mavs’ first game without Dončić, they lost by over 40 points, but neither Kyrie Irving nor Davis played.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Dončić speaks during an introductory press conference Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in El Segundo, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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Dallas will host the Houston Rockets at 3 p.m. ET Saturday.

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February 7, 2025
Luka Doncic’s father blasts Mavericks for trading son to Lakers: ‘Absolutely doesn’t deserve this’

Reaction has been flooding in after the Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA world by trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Doncic’s father, Sasa, isn’t too pleased with his now-former team’s treatment of his son.

The elder Doncic made an appearance with Arena Sport Slovenija, where he called the Mavericks’ treatment of Luka “very unfair,” saying that the trade “hurts me personally.”

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic talks with his father Sasa Doncic before the game against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-USA Today Sports)

“I understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy,” Sasa said in Slovenian, which was translated by Arena Sport Slovenija. “You don’t like this or that player, all good, I get it. But I think that exactly this secrecy, or should I say from some individuals, maybe even hypocrisy, this hurts me personally.

“Because I think that Luka absolutely doesn’t deserve this. Giving the fact that at least, as I know, sacrificed himself enormously and even all the stories now that someone is releasing that he wants to apologize for the things that they’re doing. I feel like this is very unfair from some individuals because I know that Luka respected Dallas a lot. He respected the whole city, helped children.”

Some of the “unfair” treatment Sasa is discussing could revolve around a report from ESPN that said the Mavericks had concerns about Doncic’s conditioning, which could impede the 25-year-old reaching his full potential.

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And with the trade, Luka no longer qualifies for a $323 million supermax extension, though the Lakers could give him a $230 million extension.

Luka has not seen an NBA floor since Christmas, as he’s been dealing with a strained left calf he suffered on the holiday. The league leader in points per game last season was averaging 28.1 points before the injury.

The trade, though, was shocking even with Lakers star Anthony Davis being involved in the package because of Luka’s young age, coupled with his accomplishments, including leading a Mavericks team to the NBA Finals last season. He is a five-time All-Star and won Western Conference Finals MVP during that title run last year, which ultimately fell short to the Boston Celtics.

Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks for a foul call during the NBA Finals game against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center in Dallas on June 12, 2024. (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Sasa discussed those conditioning concerns, dismissing them after seeing what his son did during the 2023-24 season.

“It wasn’t even a problem last year since, I am saying again, one individual said he’s not fit enough,” Sasa explained. “That he played, I don’t know, 100 games, practically 40 minutes with two or three players constantly on him. That he was beaten, and you say such things about him. I feel that this is very unfair from certain individuals. You traded him, stand by your actions but don’t look for excuses or alibis, that’s it.”

While GM Nico Harrison explained his decision after the trade, which was at first believed to be false, became official, the team faced backlash from its fan base for sending off the face of the franchise.

A group of fans was even spotted having a symbolic funeral outside American Airlines Center on Sunday, with a baby blue casket being brought in and draped with Doncic jerseys, fan art, T-shirts and more.

Sasa Doncic watches his son, Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, during warmups before the Denver Nuggets game at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-USA Today Sports)

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Harrison’s explanation was that the trade was “going to make us better,” while also selling that the move “sets us up to win not only now, but in the future.”

Dallas is currently placed ninth in the Western Conference with a 26-24 record after being blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, 144-101. Davis, who wasn’t with the team yet, and Kyrie Irving were not on the floor for the Mavericks.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 3, 2025
Disgruntled Mavericks fans protest Luka Doncic trade with symbolic funeral outside team’s arena

How are Dallas Mavericks fans dealing with the trade of their superstar guard Luka Doncic?

Well, some are taking mourning to another level.

Going through it was an understatement for a group of fans that was spotted at American Airlines Center in Dallas hosting a funeral, or perhaps a protest, after one of the most shocking trades in professional sports history.

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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. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

Yes, it was a funeral as several fans, dressed in black suits, carried a blue coffin to the steps in front of the arena, where Doncic shirts, jerseys and more were spread out.

“Why?!” one of the men carrying the coffin screamed into the area while Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” played over a speaker, per Dallas News.

Mavericks fans may not be going to the extreme as this group did on Sunday, but many are still in shock, and even denial, after the trade went down late Saturday night.

The trade sent Doncic and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a draft pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved in the deal.

The NBA world could not believe Doncic, the five-time All-Star who was named Western Conference Finals MVP last season during the team’s Finals run while leading the NBA in scoring (33.9 points), was traded by the franchise who took him third overall in 2018. At just 25 years old, Doncic remains one of the key pieces of the game’s future.

Even Doncic appeared slighted by the trade after writing a farewell note to Mavericks fans just hours after the trade, which some believed was a fake on social media when reports dropped, became official.

He did not mention the team’s name at all – only showing love to the fan base.

Dallas Mavericks fans gather at 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. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

“Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level,” Doncic wrote. “I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home.

“In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best memories, but also lifting met up when I needed it most.

“To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it. As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.

“Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans.

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Luka Doncic, #77, celebrates after sinking a basket in the second half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Reaction to the trade was immense when it went down, and Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, who is preparing for potential NFL history this week at Super Bowl LIX, had time to share his “sick” thoughts about it.

“Wait what? I’m sick rn….” Mahomes, a Texas native who was spotted at this past season’s NBA Finals rooting for the Mavericks, wrote on X.

Doncic has not played for Dallas since Christmas after exiting the game with a strained left calf. With the trade, he is now prevented from signing a five-year supermax contract extension that would have been worth $345 million. He can, however, sign an extension with a maximum payout of $230 million.

Mavericks GM Nico Harrison spoke about the trade on Sunday, with his mindset about this shocking trade being a win-now move. Additionally, with the contract looming, Harrison made a judgment call that could alter the franchise – for better or for worse.

“There’s other teams that were loading up,” he explained. “He was going to be able to make his own decision at some point of whether he wants to be here or not, whether we want to supermax him or not, or whether he wants to opt out. We had to take all that into consideration and I feel like we got out in front of what could have been a tumultuous summer.”

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. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

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Dallas, without Doncic, dynamic guard Kyrie Irving and Davis not yet in uniform, was embarrassed by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, 144-101, on the road.

The Mavericks are 26-24 on the season, which is good for ninth in the Western Conference.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 3, 2025
Cavaliers embarrass Mavericks in 1st game since Dallas’ Luka Doncic trade

The Dallas Mavericks were far from energized in their first game since the team traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and acquired Anthony Davis.

The Mavericks allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers 91 points at halftime and lost the game 144-101.

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill reacts after hitting a 3-point basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

“Everyone was just locked in even with the trade and everything that was going on today,” Cavs star Evan Mobley said after the game. “We started hot and kept our foot on the gas.”

Sam Merrill added nine 3-pointers for Cleveland. The Cavaliers made 16 3-pointers in the first half and finished with 26 in total.

“We were at 80 (points) with like four minutes left, and I was like, ‘Man, let’s try to get 100,’” Merrill said. “But these games aren’t always easy. I’ve been a part of games where everyone is out, and it’s a close game because it’s hard to have the right mindset in a game like this.

“It’s such a credit to the starters to come out and play the right way and communicate and defend and share the basketball. To get out to that big lead and then the bench guys come in and keep it going. I’ve been a part of some 80s but 90 (at halftime) is crazy.”

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Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks on from the team bench during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center on Jan. 27, 2025 in Dallas. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

It was the closing of a wild day for the Mavericks. Dallas woke up, and its five-time All-Star was abruptly traded to the Lakers.

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended the deal before the game.

“I understand why [fans] would be shocked, initially,” Harrison told the Dallas Morning News.

“But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future. And that’s ultimately the goal and why we’re here. It’s one of those things where it’s my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost.”

Doncic’s $207 million extension is set to expire this year, and he was due for a supermax that was worth over $340 million. Plus, he was soon able to opt out of any other deals. So, Harrison wanted security. Now, he’s not eligible for the supermax anymore.

“We really feel like we got ahead of what was going to be a tumultuous summer, him being eligible for the supermax and also a year away from him being able to opt out of any contract,” Harrison said. “And so we really felt like we got out in front of that. We know teams, they’ve had it out there, teams have been loading up to try to sign him once that comes available.”

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, left, and general manager Nico Harrison discuss the trade of Luka Doncic on Feb. 2, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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Doncic thanked fans for their support while he was with Dallas. He did not mention the Mavericks in his goodbye message.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 3, 2025