Patrick Dumont: 'luka Is a Mav for Life' After Trade and Team Isn't Moving to Vegas
Feb 9, 2025
Los Angeles, California February 6, 2025-Lakers Luka Doncic watches the game from the bench during a game with the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena Thursday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont expressed his support for Luka Dončić following the superstar forward's surprising trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
"He's an electrifying player," Dumont told Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News (h/t Hoopsrumors.com). "I want you to know I really sympathize with all of our fans who feel hurt. Look, as far as I'm concerned, Luka is a Mav for life and I really wish him nothing but happiness and success in his career as he continues in LA."
He also confirmed that the Mavericks aren't targeting a potential move to Las Vegas.
"The Dallas Mavericks are not moving to Las Vegas," Dumont said. "There is no question that, that is the answer unequivocally. The Dallas Mavericks are the Dallas Mavericks and they will be in Dallas."
Mavs governor Patrick Dumont offered his first public comments after the Luka Doncic trade.
Dumont spoke of the team's "tough decisions" and the goal to win NBA championships. #MFFL
Report: Marko Milić Leaves Mavericks' Coaching Staff After Luka Dončić, Lakers Trade
Feb 9, 2025
DALLAS, TX - MAY 3: Marko Milic of the Dallas Mavericks looks warms up before the game against the LA Clippers during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Luka Dončić isn't the only one leaving the Dallas Mavericks.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that Marko Milić is no longer on the Mavericks' coaching staff and "did not wish" to remain with Dončić no longer on the team. Milić was a notable name as the first Slovenian to play in the NBA, but his time with Dallas is over.
The connection with Dončić was obvious, as the five-time All-Star is also from Slovenia.
Milić spent seven years on the coaching staff of the Basketball Federation of Slovenia before the Mavericks hired him before the 2022-23 campaign. He also played professionally for 21 seasons from 1994 to 2015 with stops in seven different countries (Slovenia, Turkey, Spain, Italy, France, Iran and Kuwait).
He came to the NBA as a second-round pick in the 1997 NBA draft and appeared in 44 games across two different seasons for the Phoenix suns.
Milić was never more than a secondary scorer and averaged 2.5 points and 0.7 rebounds per game while shooting 56 percent from the field.
As for the Mavericks, this is more fallout from a shocking trade.
Dončić appeared well on his way to becoming a franchise legend with a Rookie of the Year, five First-Team All-Pro selections, a scoring title, five All-Star Game nods, an NBA Finals appearance and a Western Conference Finals MVP on his resume through just seven seasons.
Yet they moved him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade that landed them 31-year-old Anthony Davis.
While Davis is an excellent player himself, it was still stunning to see Dallas move on from the 25-year-old face of its franchise.
Anthony Davis: Injury Suffered in Mavs Debut 'Nothing Serious' After Lakers Trade
Feb 8, 2025
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 7: Anthony Davis is introduced at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility on February 7, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis caused some concern among Dallas Mavericks fans after exiting his debut Saturday against the Houston Rockets with a lower-body injury.
However, Davis told reporters after a 116-105 win over Houston that he exited after feeling "a little spasm" in his groin/quad area and that the ailment is "nothing serious," per NBA insider Marc Stein.
Davis added that he is "very confident" he didn't suffer a setback in his recovery from the abdominal injury he suffered while with the Los Angeles Lakers, per Stein.
Davis on his injury after the early emotion of the afternoon. Says he feels confident that injury not significant. pic.twitter.com/DpVKtRL0Wo
Davis exited the game in the third quarter after going down with the non-contact injury. He put together an impressive statline in his Mavs debut before exiting, notching 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.
The 31-year-old averaged 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals per game in 42 contests for the Los Angeles Lakers this season before L.A. traded him on Feb. 1 in a blockbuster deal that landed the team five-time All-NBA First Teamer Luka Dončić.
At the time, Davis was sidelined with an abdominal strain suffered against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 28.
Davis has been one of the NBA's most dominant big men on both ends for a decade. His resume includes nine All-Star honors, five All-NBA teams and five spots on All-NBA Defensive Teams. Unsurprisingly, Davis easily found a spot on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
AD won a national championship for Kentucky in his lone season in Lexington (2011-12) before heading to the NBA. He played seven seasons for the New Orleans Pelicans before requesting a trade that landed him with the Lakers.
Davis won an immediate championship with the team in 2020 and ultimately fared well in town before his time ended abruptly.
Now he's in Dallas, where he's the co-star of the show with point guard Kyrie Irving.
The Dallas frontcourt has been hit hard with injuries. Second-year pro Dereck Lively II is out with a right ankle stress fracture, and Dwight Powell is out with a right hip strain.
Davis, of course, is an invaluable member of this team now, especially with its previous top scorer and superstar now a Laker. So the Mavs can't really afford to lose him for any time as they hope to excel in this new era.
Video: Anthony Davis Gets Luka Dončić's Mavs Locker After Lakers Trade
Feb 8, 2025
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Following the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks and Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, it was only fitting that Davis also took over Dončić's locker upon his arrival in Dallas.
One week ago, Dallas' golden boy was traded away in exchange for the 6'7" power forward. Along with Davis, the Lakers received Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris from Dallas. In return, the Mavericks acquired Max Christie and Los Angeles' 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz, also involved in the deal, received Jalen Hood-Schifino and multiple draft picks.
The trade sent shock waves through the NBA world, as negotiations were conducted entirely behind closed doors. While Mavericks fans have voiced their frustration, Davis has focused on making the best of the situation.
"I get who Luka was to this franchise, to this city," Davis told reporters. "I'm never going to downplay that. Just how I know what I meant to the city of LA. So I'm not surprised by the fans' reaction and the city's reaction. It's my job to come in and play basketball and do what I'm supposed to do and give the fans hope and reassurance on why Nico brought me here.
After being traded for the 25-year-old star who was averaging 28.1 points per game on 46.4 percent shooting, Davis viewed the move as a compliment from the Dallas organization.
"I understand who Luka is and what he is able to do and what he has already done for our game. He's a phenomenal player. Going to be one of the best to ever play the game of basketball," Davis continued. "To have Nico trade for me just shows his belief in what I can do on the floor, and it's my job to produce every night."
As fans continue to push back against the franchise following the trade, Davis was unsure how they would react to his home debut on Saturday. He put up 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists before exiting in the third quarter with a non-contact injury.
"I don't know how (Saturday's) going to be as far as the reaction," Davis told reporters. "I can't control that. Obviously it was a tough transition. It was a shock to all. My job is to come in and win basketball games."
Following the game, Davis said that he felt a "little spasm" in his groin/quad area but that the injury is "nothing serious," per NBA insider Marc Stein.
Jason Kidd: 'It Was Weird' Playing Without Luka Dončić After Mavs' Trade with Lakers
Feb 8, 2025
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and head coach Jason Kidd talk on as the Mavericks take on the Denver Nuggets in the second half at American Airlines Center on March 17, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd says it's been "weird" to play without Luka Dončić since the guard's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Although Dončić had not played for the Mavs since Dec. 25, the star remained with the team until the Feb. 1 deal that saw him and Anthony Davis swap places.
"Everybody wants to talk about the trade. Yeah, it's different. We gotta keep pushing forward," Kidd said Saturday. "It was weird, but understanding logistics of basketball, it happens. You've got to play the game."
The Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 116-105 Saturday in Davis' debut with the team. Davis left the win early with a lower-body injury.
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said in his initial press conference after the Dončić trade that Kidd had not found out about the deal until it happened.
"But J-Kidd and I are aligned, and we talk about archetypes, and we talk about the culture that we want to create, so I know the kind of players that he likes without actually talking to him," Harrison said.
Kidd, who was sitting beside Harrison, said he agreed they were aligned while adding he had been "blessed" to spend three and a half seasons coaching Dončić.
"Luka, when I first came here, excited about the opportunity to coach an upcoming star who became a mega-star, and I was just blessed to have that opportunity to coach him," Kidd said. "But when you look at the vision of the team, and what Nico wants to build, I truly support that."
The Mavs are 2-2 since the trade, including consecutive victories over the defending champion Boston Celtics and the skidding Rockets.
Davis' injury raises some concern as to whether the Mavericks can build on that momentum going forward. He went down with an apparent non-contact injury in the third quarter and did not return to the game.
Dončić is meanwhile expected to make his Lakers debut on Monday. LeBron James has been sidelined this weekend with an ankle injury, but if he is able to return, the two stars could play together against the Indiana Pacers.
Kidd and Dončić could be reunited later this month when the Mavs travel to Los Angeles for Feb. 25 road game.
Video: Mark Cuban Jokes About Luka Dončić, Lakers Trade During Bill Gates Discussion
Feb 8, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Mark Cuban speaks onstage during "Battling Big Pharma: A Conversation with Mark Cuban" at WIRED's The Big Interview 2024 at The Midway SF on December 03, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for WIRED)
Former Dallas Mavericks governor Mark Cuban joked about the Luka Dončić trade during a conversation with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates at an event on Friday evening.
He asked Gates about a "hypothetical" scenario in which Steve Ballmer (who took over for Gates as Microsoft's CEO and now owns the Los Angeles Clippers) traded Windows 11 (Dončić in this analogy) for Windows 10 (Anthony Davis).
Gates responded that he would "hide from the press."
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.
Anthony Davis Stuns NBA Fans with Dominant Mavs Debut Before Exiting with Injury
Feb 8, 2025
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis announced his presence in Dallas with an utterly dominant first half en route to leading the Mavericks to a 116-105 home win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
Anthony Davis finished the first half with 24 points (9-13 FG, 2-2 3FG, 4-6 FT), 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks.
He is the first player in the play-by-play era (since 1996-97) to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks in a half. pic.twitter.com/Usoe7nrYZn
Unfortunately, Davis left the game late in the third quarter and did not return after suffering a non-contact ailment the Mavs initially termed a "lower body injury."
Entering Saturday, the 31-year-old hadn't played since Jan. 28, when the former Los Angeles Laker suffered an abdominal strain.
Days later, the Mavericks authored one of the most stunning trades in recent memory when they dealt five-time All-NBA player and 25-year-old guard Luka Dončić to the Lakers in a three-team deal that brought Davis back to Dallas.
That trade obviously hasn't been popular with Mavericks fans, who protested outside American Airlines Center before tipoff.
Amid that chaos, AD was exceptional, finishing with 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. He meshed quite well with his new teammates, particularly Kyrie Irving, who found him for a ferocious second-quarter slam.
Unfortunately, the AD show ended abruptly in the third quarter, and now fans play the waiting game to see the extent of his injury and the timeline for his return.
In the meantime, though, fans and analysts alike praised Davis for an incredible start to his Mavs tenure.
Anybody who is acting like the Mavs got Celtics Shaq in the trade can shut up now. Anthony Davis is also generational. pic.twitter.com/8PmF2G0DOE
It’s very obvious Anthony Davis is out to prove a point today after the way the last week has gone. That was an incredibly impressive opening five minutes from him in his Mavs debut.
Have you ever broken up with someone and even though it's the right thing to do, it broke your heart? That's all of Los Angeles right now watching Anthony Davis getting buckets.
I promise you can think the Mavs trading Luka is dumb while being overjoyed for Anthony Davis and his incredible start to this game. I promise! Humans are complex!
As for what's next in Dallas, the Mavericks have four more games on their current homestand, with the next one coming Monday against the Sacramento Kings.
They now stand 28-25, which is good enough for eighth in the Western Conference.
Lakers' Rob Pelinka, Mavs' Harrison Appear to Talk Luka Dončić Trade in Viral Photo
Feb 7, 2025
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 26: General Manager Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks talks to the press on June 26, 2023 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)
A Dallas local appears to have captured a photo of the conversation during which Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison first discussed trading Luka Dončić with Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
Dallas news station WFAA shared the image in a Friday report.
CAUGHT ON CAMERA 📸 | Here's the coffee shop meetup moment when Mavs GM Nico Harrison and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka started Luka Doncic trade talks, shifting the landscape of the NBA.
The photo was taken by Dallas resident Asad Munir on January 7 at Ascension Coffee in a Dallas hotel lobby, according to credit card statements and metadata reviewed by WFAA.
The photographer is a Lakers fan who told WFAA reporters Jason Trahan, Paul Livengood and Matt Howerton he took the photo because he recognized Pelinka, although he didn't know at the time who Harrison was.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon previously reported Harrison invited Pelinka to that same coffee shop in order to "begin" trade talks.
Those talks culminated one month later in the three-team trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers and brought Anthony Davis to Dallas.
Harrison also mentioned the coffee shop meeting in his first press conference following the Dončić trade.
"It started out as a coffee, that was more, 'Hey, would you ever?' 'I don't know, would I? Let me think,'" Harrison said. "And then it built upon that, and we kept it between us. We had to. We had to keep it tight."
Harrison was not present at the Friday press conference during which Davis was introduced to Mavericks fans.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported Friday on NBA Today thatHarrison has received "death threats" and "racial epithets" since the trade.
The Mavericks are set to play at American Airlines Center for the first time since the trade with a Saturday afternoon contest against the Houston Rockets. Harrison will not be sitting in the stands at the game, according to MacMahon.
Davis, who said Friday he sees his job as giving fans "hope and reassurance on why Nico brought me here," is set to make his Mavericks debut against the Rockets.
The Lakers are meanwhile "targeting" Monday's home game against the Utah Jazz for Dončić's first game in Los Angeles, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported Thursday. Dončić's return will mark his first time playing since he was injured in his final game with the Mavericks on Christmas Day.
Report: Mavs' Nico Harrison Subject of Death Threats, Racist Remarks After Luka Trade
Feb 7, 2025
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 24: Nico Harrison of the Dallas Mavericks arrives to the arena before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 24, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has been subject to death threats and racist remarks following the team's trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers last Saturday.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported the news on Friday's edition of NBA Today.
"This is a heartbroken fanbase, and there have been some very unfortunate developments regarding that anger," MacMahon began.
"Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats. There have been racial epithets included in some of those. Certainly, security's going to be beefed up. There will be protests outside the arena early. Those are planned. Security will absolutely be beefed up. Nico Harrison is not going to be in his normal seat in the stands. There's no reason to subject him to that kind of a security risk.
"So that has been definitely an unfortunate part of this whole storyline. Obviously, the fans' anger—hey, they have every right to feel like they got a generational superstar ripped away from them—but clearly, lines have been crossed."
The Mavericks have been on the road for three games since the trade, but Saturday will mark the team's first home contest in the post-Dončić era when Dallas hosts the Houston Rockets at 3 p.m. ET.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.
Anthony Davis Aims to 'Give the City Life Back' After Mavs-Lakers Luka Dončić Trade
Feb 7, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 04: Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks smiles during the first half of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis is focused on reinvigorating the Dallas Mavericks following his surprising trade from the Los Angeles Lakers.
"I'm gonna give the city life back," Davis said at his introductory press conference on Friday. "Obviously it's a tough transition. It was a shock to all. But like I said, my job is to come in and play basketball and win basketball games."
Davis was dealt to the Mavericks in a blockbuster three-team swap headlined by Luka Dončić joining Los Angeles.
The former Laker admitted that he was "shocked at first," but grew more comfortable as he met his new teammates.
"When that ball's tipped up for the opening tip, I'll be fine," Davis said. "I think mentally, now just being around the guys and having a chance to be on the court a couple days. You know, hanging out with the guys, laughing and joking. I'm in a great place."
"When that ball's tipped up, I'll be fine"
AD talks the shock from his trade to Dallas, but his excitement to get on the floor with his new team tomorrow 🤞 pic.twitter.com/lxB3o6fKW3
