Mavericks CEO admits underestimating the reaction from Mavs fans over Luka Doncic’s shocking trade

Mavericks CEO Rick Welts opened up about the unexpected backlash that the team received following their decision to trade Luka Doncic.

Mavericks CEO admits underestimating the reaction from Mavs fans over Luka Doncic’s shocking trade

Mavericks CEO Rick Welts surprised by fan reaction to Luka Doncic trade

The fallout from Luka Doncic’s shocking departure from the Dallas Mavericks continues to shake the franchise. The move was not only one of the most shocking decisions that the franchise could have taken, but one that completely blindsided the fans and the media. The backlash to the trade remains so severe that even Mavericks CEO Rick Welts was taken aback by the outrage.

Fans have voiced their anger in every way possible, from social media outcries to organized protests outside the American Airlines Center. Recently, Welts finally broke his silence on the matter. Having spent nearly five decades in the NBA, Welts has seen his fair share of controversial moves. However, he admitted that the team was not prepared for this kind of response.

I thought I’d seen everything in my 47 years in the NBA, but clearly this was different. I think a lot of people of good intent tried to do the right thing. I probably underestimated the reaction. I think we’ve done the best we can.

Rick Welts told Sports Illustrated
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The veteran league executive acknowledged that the organization underestimated the emotional connection fans had with Luka Doncic. The emotional backlash from the trade reached such a fever pitch that Mavericks GM Nico Harrison reportedly received death threats following the trade. However, Welts remains steadfast in his belief that the franchise made the right decision for its future.

What is more surprising is Welts’ involvement in the trade. As the CEO of the Mavericks organization, Welts was possibly amongst the few people in the know-how about the trade. This would be quite the decision from a man who had only just taken over the reins in the Mavericks front office after starting his tenure as CEO on 1st January 2025.

Luka Doncic removed from minutes restriction post All-Star break

While the Mavericks continue to deal with the fallout of Luka Doncic’s departure, the superstar guard is settling into his new life with the Los Angeles Lakers. After being eased into action following his trade and return from injury, Doncic is now set to return to full speed. Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed on Tuesday that Doncic will no longer have a minutes restriction moving forward.

He’ll be fine. That extra five, six days of All-Star break was good for him. His minutes will be up (Wednesday), and I don’t think that there’s going to be any sort of restrictions going forward.

JJ Redick told the media

This news couldn’t come at a better time for the Lakers, who are gearing up for a tough schedule. Doncic, who suffered a calf strain on Christmas playing for the Mavericks, played limited minutes in the two games before the All-Star break. The additional rest seems to have done him well, and the Lakers can fully integrate him into their system as they make their playoff push.

The Lakers resumes play with three games in four days, starting with a home matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. After that, they will leave for Portland and Denver in a tough road trip. With LeBron James possibly still nursing the injury from the All-Star break, now will be a true litmus test for what the Lakers look like in the hands of Luka Doncic.