Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
It’s pretty hard to blame Mavericks fans for being irate about the team’s decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Lakers based on his status in Dallas. You have to assume the franchise knew it was going to be dealing with plenty of backlash, and it’s reportedly doing what it can to assuage angry ticket holders by offering them refunds in the wake of the stunning move.
At this point, I probably don’t need to recap the immediate fallout of the borderline inexplicable news we were treated to on Saturday night when the Mavericks pulled the trigger on the trade that made Luka Doncic the newest member of a Lakers team that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.
We’ll still have to wait and see how things end up working out for both sides, but the vast majority of NBA fans would tell you the Mavericks got absolutely fleeced by willingly parting ways with a franchise player who is just 25 years old and seemingly had a very bright future ahead of him with the only team he’d played for since being drafted.
Plenty of theories have surfaced in an attempt to explain why Dallas went that route, including their knowledge of health issues that could make Doncic a liability, GM Nico Harrison seeking an excuse to get fired, and a fairly complex conspiracy involving their new owner’s attempts use the franchise as leverage for a new casino in Texas or a potential move to Las Vegas.
What is clear, however, is that plenty of Mavs fans are apoplectic about Doncic’s departure. A number of people flocked to American Airlines Arena to protest the move, one brewery in Dallas whipped up a “Sell The Team” Beer, and it would appear more than a few season ticket holders are rebelling against the franchise.
According to ESPN, fans who purchased a package of tickets ahead of the season say the Mavericks have offered to refund their money after they contacted the team to inform them they wanted out in the wake of the trade. Abby Jones of DLLS Sports said one person was offered $2,000 in a now-deleted tweet, and other fans confirmed they were given a similar option when they inquired about canceling.
A representative for the Mavericks declined to explicitly confirm that was the case but released a statement saying:
“We value every season ticket member relationship and reps are available to take calls from members with any concerns or questions.”
Season ticket holders who hang onto their seats will have at least one more chance to see Doncic play in person this year, as the Mavericks will be hosting the Lakers for a showdown on April 9th.