A trade that shook the NBA: Luka Doncic is no longer a Dallas Maverick. Fans are outraged, protests have erupted, and even Dirk Nowitzki, the face of the franchise for 21 years, is torn

“I wanted to be there for him. It was surreal to see him play for the Lakers. At the end of the day, I’ll never be a Lakers fan, but I’ll always be a Luka fan.” Dirk Nowitzki made his stance clear on why he was in attendance at the Crypto.com Arena to support Doncic. But the Mavericks legend will always support the team he represented for 21 years. Even with the franchise-altering trade, the German legend remained optimistic about the Mavericks’ future.

“Yeah, I think if the Mavs are healthy um I think they have a heck of a team. um AD is a uh and I kind of feel bad about AD and Christie here in this deal. They’re both great players, fun to watch and of course, they get it all they get the news and they see it.” The blockbuster trade between the Mavericks and the Lakers featured two All-Stars: Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. Apart from them, the Lakers got Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. At the same time, the Texan team additionally received Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.

Dirk’s mixed feelings mirror the emotions of the Mavericks’ fanbase. The trade sent shockwaves through Dallas, and supporters made their displeasure known. Despite that, the 14x NBA All-Star is hopeful for Mavs to have a solid showing after the trade. “And uh I just hope they feel welcome still and still be able to obviously contribute here to a good team. Cause like I said if they’re healthy, they’re pretty loaded on all positions.” The former MVP mentioned feeling bad, because of the reaction of the Dallas fanbase towards the deal.

The fans protested in front of the American Airlines Center and some even prepared to boycott the games. They were ready to cancel their season tickets in honor of the former face of the franchise. Some fans brought in ‘Firo Nico’ signs and chants of ‘Fire Nico’ surrounded the Arena. GM Nico Harrison has felt the heat on the entire situation ever since the trade became official.

But as Dirk Nowitzki stated, he is hopeful for the team’s success. The 46-year-old counts the two latest recruits as an integral part of the franchise. He is not the only one who thinks so.

Other than Dirk Nowitzki, TNT analyst is also backing the Mavs

When Harrison made the trade, he justified it further during the press conference. “We really feel that defense wins championships, and we think the players that we’re bringing in add to the culture…” Despite Luka leading them to the Finals, GM Nico Harrison insists trading him was the right move. Even Charles Barkley feels Mavs are now stronger.

“OKC (is) my favorite to win this thing, but, man, the Dallas Mavericks, they might have just become the second-best team in the Western Conference.” In the past 6 games, the Texan team has a 5-1 record, beating the likes of Warriors and reigning champions Celtics in that period. Even though AD got injured in the first game, Max Christie has played his role to the tee.

In the past 5 games, the 22-year-old guard has averaged 18.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists. That’s why Dirk Nowitzki is urging the fanbase to not forget the players who are currently part of the franchise.

The dust is far from settled in Dallas. With Luka Doncic gone, the Mavericks are entering a new era. But with Anthony Davis and Max Christie stepping in, and legends like Dirk Nowitzki backing the team, will Dallas prove the doubters wrong? Or will this trade haunt them for years to come?