On Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks will be back at home for the first time after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the atmosphere is expected to be unfriendly. Doncic was the city’s favorite athlete, and he was dealt away in the dead of night for a disappointing return. Nico Harrison hasn’t improved his situation by attempting to make jokes during his initial press conference after the trade, providing various (and possibly inaccurate) explanations for the trade, and then completely missing the introductory press conference for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and Caleb Martin on Friday.
This has put the Mavericks’ fanbase in a state of emotion. They had already begun their protests against the trade on Sunday when it was initially revealed, and demonstrations will persist on Saturday outside the arena. What occurs within the arena is expected to be a moment few Mavericks supporters will forget.
As per Tim MacMahon of ESPN, certain Mavericks supporters have crossed the line with their anger, going as far as to send death threats to the General Manager.
“This fanbase is deeply saddened, and there have been several regrettable events related to that frustration,” MacMahon began in a report for ESPN. “Nico Harrison has received threats on his life.” Some of those have contained racial slurs. Of course, security will be strengthened. Protests will take place outside the venue in the morning. Those are scheduled. Security will definitely be strengthened. Nico Harrison will not be occupying his usual spot in the stands. There’s no justification for putting him through that level of security risk. That has certainly been an unfortunate aspect of this entire narrative. Clearly, the fans’ frustration—understandably, they have every right to feel as though a once-in-a-lifetime superstar was taken from them—but obviously, boundaries have been overstepped.
Although there are certainly a small number of fans who may have overstepped boundaries, the majority are simply seeking answers. There will undoubtedly be boos and jeers throughout the game, but it would be unexpected if they’re aimed at the players and rather at Harrison and the ownership group.
Harrison is thought to have even employed 24-hour security for his home due to the threats. If these threats were truly made, such behavior is unacceptable. Ultimately, this is merely a game. However, Mavericks supporters are some of the most devoted to their players of any NBA team. Exchanging what they perceive as the next Dirk Nowitzki isn’t an event that occurs and is quickly forgotten by all.
Summarizing the Mavericks’ Trade Deadline
Mavericks Get: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, Caleb Martin, 2029 First-Round Pick from Lakers, 2030 Second-Round Pick (team not specified yet)
Lakers Get: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris