After the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, the franchise faced heavy criticism from both the media and fans. However, inside the organization, Mavericks CEO Rick Welts says there are no regrets about the move.
To this day, many still question Dallasā decision to part ways with Doncic, who had been the face of the franchise. Welts, however, insists the organization stands by the trade and believes the team has recovered from the backlash.
āYou canāt have fear or regrets in this business,ā Welts said during an interview with Bloomberg TV. āItās all about how you move forward, so it doesnāt really serve a purpose to have regrets. What I will say is I learned about the depth of the connection between Mavericks fans and this team, and that to me is half glass full because I knew we could restore that over time. I didnāt think it would happen quite as quickly, perhaps, as it hasā.
Just days following Doncicās departure, Mavericks fans voiced their frustration with protests outside American Airlines Center and chants directed at general manager Nico Harrison during home games.
Dallas Mavericks fans hold up a sign referring to Mavs general manager Nico Harrison during the game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center. (Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
The trade-related challenges were compounded by injuries to Dallasā two biggest stars. Davis suffered an adductor tear in his left leg on the same day as his debut against the Rockets, sidelining him for a month. Kyrie Irving later tore the ACL in his left knee during a March 3 game against the Sacramento Kings, ending his season.
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Welts praised how the franchise handled Doncicās first return to Dallas as a Laker, calling it a special moment for fans and the player alike. āI would also say Iām incredibly proud of how the organization presented itself for Lukaās first game back at American Airlines Center when he was a Los Angeles Laker. I think if you watch that game, it was an opportunity for fans to say thank you,ā Welts added.
āYou saw the emotion on Lukaās face, you saw the way that night unfolded in tributes to Luka. I think heāll always be such a big part of the history here,ā he continued. āAnd we wish him nothing but good luck, but we also hope we beat his team every time we play them going forwardā.
Things have since started to turn around for Dallas. The Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, selecting Duke standout Cooper Flagg, a promising addition who could elevate the teamās future ā even if the memory of Doncicās trade still lingers for many fans.
