The Dallas Mavericks have remained in the spotlight ever since they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers without any prior speculation. The move sparked an intense backlash as the Mavericks fans repeatedly protested outside the American Airlines Center. The outrage has escalated to such an extent that some fans have even issued death threats to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.
The turmoil has not been limited to the fanbase. The Mavericks’ locker room has also been left in disarray following Doncic’s departure. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, assistant coach Marko Milic has left the team after the trade.
Marko Milić has left the Mavericks' coaching staff in the wake of the Luka Dončić trade, sources tell @TheSteinLine.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 9, 2025
Milić was the first Slovenian to play in the NBA and, I'm told, did not wish to stay with the Luka-less Mavericks.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/jkBEbr3Onp
Milic, who was hired before the 2022-23 season, has deep ties to Doncic. He previously worked with the Slovenian staff as an assistant coach for the Slovenian national team.
Stein reported that Milic had no desire to remain with a Mavericks team that no longer included Doncic. The exact timeline of his exit is unclear. Yet, sources suggest that he has not been seen or heard from since the trade was finalized.
Milic holds historical significance in NBA history, as he was the first Slovenian player to ever play in the league. The Mavericks not only lost their franchise star but are also dealing with internal instability and a fractured relationship with their passionate fanbase.
Mavericks Owner Defends Luka Doncic Trade Despite Backlash
The Mavericks have faced intense criticism from the league after their shocking decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Lakers. Despite the uproar, Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont has stood by the controversial move while sharing the organization’s long-term vision.
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“It’s hard to make tough decisions. But when you want to pursue excellence in an organization, you have to make the tough decisions,” Dumont said.
The trade brought in Anthony Davis. However, after making his debut for Dallas on Saturday, the All-Star forward has now been ruled out for multiple weeks due to a left adductor strain. Fans eagerly wait to see if this move will ultimately lead to success, or become one of the biggest missteps in franchise history.
Also Read: Is Luka Doncic Playing Tonight Against The Utah Jazz? Latest Injury Update On Lakers Star
