While he may not be a part of the Dallas Mavericks roster anymore, Luka Doncic will have a permanent place in them lore (for better or worse). With his return to Dallas’ American Airlines Center coming tonight, the team has revealed its decision on how they’ll mark it.
According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the Mavericks will mark Doncic’s return with a tribute video to him as well as “thank you” shirts inside the arena.
“And just over two months later, Luka Doncic makes his return to Dallas tonight on ESPN (7:30 pm ET) as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Mavericks. A tribute video and thank you shirts are planned inside the Mavs arena,” Charania wrote on X.
And just over two months later, Luka Doncic makes his return to Dallas tonight on ESPN (7:30 pm ET) as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Mavericks. A tribute video and thank you shirts are planned inside the Mavs arena. https://t.co/xo9tQd9VAm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 9, 2025
As you might expect, fans aren’t exactly thrilled about the idea given how bitter of a pill it was to swallow when Luka was first traded back in February.
“Yay! Surely that will make everyone feel better and finally stop complaining about the terrible trade,” one user mocked.
“Lol can the Mavs get any more embarrassing? I think not,” wrote another.
“They should fire nico at halfcourt for the halftime show,” a third wrote, referring to Mavs general manager Nico Harrison, the architect of the trade.
“Luka Doncic about to drop a historical stat-line,” another predicted.
“Might get footage of a 100 point game tonight,” someone mused.
Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Back in February, the Mavericks went to the Lakers and offered Doncic – a perennial All-Star and someone who had just led the team to the NBA Finals the year before – in a trade. The Lakers were happy to oblige and gave the Mavs star forward Anthony Davis and other players to make the deal go through.
Fast-forward to today and the Lakers are now 48-31 with the third-best record in the West. Meanwhile, the Mavs have gone 7-15 since the All-Star break and are 10th in the West, needing some wins to even get a spot in the play-in round.
It truly ranks among the most lopsided trades in NBA history and it’s one that Mavs fans won’t live down.
No “thank you” shirt or video package is going to fix that lost good will.
Related: Jalen Rose Has Message For Mavs Owner After Luka Doncic Trade