‘Not Deserved’: Luka Doncic and His Father Speak Out on Shocking NBA Trade

Luka Doncic has shared his disappointment and disbelief following the monumental trade that has taken the sporting world by storm.

The Slovenian sensation, just 25 years old, has emerged as one of the elite athletes in the NBA, with expectations that he would remain the face of the Dallas Mavericks for many years ahead.

His offensive prowess was instrumental in leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last year, often while playing through injuries.

However, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and his counterpart from the Los Angeles Lakers, Rob Pelinka, had been discreetly negotiating an impactful deal that culminated on Sunday (AEDT).

Doncic will now share the court with his idol, LeBron James, while Dallas welcomes star Anthony Davis, 31, along with a future first-round pick in the exchange.

Many analysts are hailing the Lakers as the clear winners of this trade.

In a heartfelt message to Mavericks supporters on social media, Doncic stated: “I thought I’d spend my entire career here and was eager to bring you a championship.” He expressed gratitude for the support during the highs and lows of his time in Dallas. “I’m leaving a place that will always feel like a second home… thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

In response to the shocking trade, Mavericks fans protested outside the arena, while Doncic’s father, Sasa, voiced his frustrations on Slovenian television, stating, “Luka did not deserve this. He sacrificed so much and held Dallas in high regard.”

The trade deliberations, which spanned roughly a month, remained tightly guarded.

“Sports often present transformative moments,” Pelinka remarked. “Lakers fans are familiar with these moments, and we constantly strive for new eras of excellence… Luka is an unprecedented young superstar destined to lead this franchise for many years.” Pelinka believes Doncic’s relentless drive to win will significantly impact the team’s success.

Since Christmas, Doncic has not played for Dallas due to a strained left calf.

This trade could have implications for Doncic’s financial future, as he now cannot sign a five-year supermax contract extension this year, which might have been valued around $560 million. It remained uncertain whether the Mavericks would have offered such a lucrative deal.

Had he remained with the Mavericks, Doncic would have had the option to enter free agency after the 2025-26 season, and other franchises eager to acquire his services would have considered this during their planning.

As Harrison explained, “There were other teams strengthening their rosters, and Luka would eventually have the choice to stay or leave, or whether we wanted to commit to a supermax. We had to consider all of that, and we feel this move allows us to navigate a potential challenging summer.”

Doncic is still eligible for an extension this season, with the maximum value that the Lakers could propose being five years at roughly $375 million, which pales in comparison to the supermax potential.

This trade sees Doncic teaming up with James, forming a new superstar duo in LA, while Davis will now join forces with Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

Additionally, Doncic will reunite with his former teammate, Lakers coach JJ Redick, who played his last game while Doncic was on the floor back in 2021.

For the Mavericks, the evaluation centred on Davis’ defensive capabilities. “We believe that defence is crucial for achieving championships, and by bringing in AD, we’re acquiring one of the game’s leading two-way players,” Harrison explained. He noted that Davis’ exceptional abilities on both ends of the court make him “a unique unicorn” in the NBA.

Harrison is aware of the backlash from a section of the Mavericks’ fanbase regarding the trade. The decision involved trading away a young superstar who seemed poised to be one of the best in the game for the next decade, for a player in his thirties with a history of injuries.

“I fully grasp the significance of this decision. It would have been easy to sit back and receive praise for doing nothing. But we genuinely believe in this move, and time will reveal if we were right,” Harrison said.

MORE REACTIONS TO THE TRADE

“Thanks for everything.” – Doncic in the Mavericks’ player group chat, according to The Dallas Morning News.

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“I was taken aback. I’ll admit that. But that’s the league — it’s what makes the NBA so remarkable. You never know what will happen. Every organisation has its own strategy, but they’re all ultimately chasing the same goal, and that creates excitement.” – Detroit Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff.

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“We are unwavering in our commitment to build a roster reflective of the vision Coach (JJ) Redick has for this basketball team. We appreciate today and anticipate what lies ahead.” – Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.

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“Defence is integral to winning championships. AD is the perfect fit for us. Looking forward, we’re positioning ourselves to win now.” – Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.

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“It’s clear we have two exceptional players who have experienced tremendous success with their teams, and they’ve both achieved remarkable individual careers. Anthony Davis has been in the league longer, but Luka’s immediate impact has been significant.” – Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan.

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“We recognise the weight of what just took place. We extend our sincere gratitude to Luka for his exceptional contributions.” – Mavericks GM Nico Harrison.

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“I enjoy watching great players join forces. It’s compelling for fans and contributes positively to the league. Consider AD teaming up with Kyrie. That’s what makes this league exciting: top players collaborating.” – Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, reflecting on Doncic and LeBron playing together.

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“This is unprecedented. The movement of players of this calibre is surprising. Nonetheless, many high-profile players have shifted teams over recent years, catching us all off-guard. My primary focus, however, remains on my own team.” – Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse.

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“The Mavericks needed to decide this summer whether to offer Doncic a five-year, (US) $350 million deal. That’s a significant sum to invest in someone you worry may not maintain fitness and potentially face injury challenges. He’s a remarkable player, but they must have their reasons for this move.” – NBA analyst Charles Barkley on NBA TV.

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“Luka’s trade from Dallas hints at a deeper narrative behind the scenes. Such moves don’t just occur randomly.” – Cleveland centre Tristan Thompson on X.

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“Wait, what?” – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who often attends Mavericks games, posting on X.