Dirk Nowitzki admits he remains conflicted about the Dallas Mavericks’ blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, calling it one of the toughest transitions he has experienced as a lifelong Maverick.
The deal, finalized last summer, stunned the NBA. Dončić — who had just carried Dallas to the Finals — was shipped to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The decision sparked outrage in Dallas, with chants of “fire Nico” directed at general manager Nico Harrison across multiple sporting events in the city.
Nowitzki, who brought Dallas its only championship in 2011, said he was blindsided at the time. His first public response was a single shocked emoji on social media.
“It was a tough, tough decision I think the club had to make,” Nowitzki said this week on RCD Mallorca’s YouTube channel. “I want to support Luka, but I’m also a Maverick for life, you know? So this was a tough decision for me. But I want to keep obviously supporting both.”
Torn Between Two Paths
The 14-time All-Star attended Dončić’s Lakers debut, signaling his support for the 26-year-old star who had been viewed as his heir in Dallas. At the same time, he has welcomed the Mavericks’ fresh start, built around Davis, Kyrie Irving — currently recovering from ACL surgery — and 2025 No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg.
“I want to wish Luka the best in L.A., and I think he’s going to have a great career there,” Nowitzki said. “And of course, the Mavs moved on and now got the first pick. So I think at this point, both sides are moving on and hopefully doing well after.”
Cooper Flagg’s Rare Opportunity
Flagg, just 18 years old, enters an unusual situation for a top overall pick. Instead of joining a rebuilding team, he steps into a roster with championship expectations. With Davis, Irving, and Klay Thompson, the Mavericks have a core featuring six championship rings.
That creates urgency for both the franchise and its young cornerstone. Dallas lacks future draft capital after years of trading to build around Dončić, leaving Flagg’s development tied directly to the short window of its veteran core.
Nowitzki’s mixed emotions reflect those of the fanbase — proud of Dončić’s new chapter in Los Angeles but hopeful that Dallas’ reset can produce another title run. For Mavericks supporters still torn, the franchise icon’s words carry weight.
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