The Dallas Mavericks have offered refunds to fans who have canceled season tickets in the wake of the trade that sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, multiple fans told ESPN.
"We value every season ticket member relationship and reps are available to take calls from members with any concerns or questions," Mavs vice president of corporate communications Erin Finegold said via text message.
Mavericks fans have reacted with outrage to the shocking trade that sent the 25-year-old Doncic, a five-time first-team All-NBA selection who is entering his prime, to the Lakers along with reserve forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in exchange for 31-year-old All-NBA big man Anthony Davis, wing Max Christie and the Los Angeles' 2029 first-round pick.
Fans protested outside the American Airlines Center on Sunday, the day after the deal was made. Several held signs criticizing Mavs general manager Nico Harrison, who negotiated the deal in secret with his Lakers counterpart, Rob Pelinka, blindsiding Doncic with the news that his 6½-year tenure in Dallas was over only months after leading the Mavs to the NBA Finals.
"I'm sorry they're frustrated, but it's something that we believe in as an organization," Harrison said Sunday. "It's going to make us better. We believe that it sets us up to win, not only now, but also in the future. And when we win, I believe the frustration will go away."
