The atmosphere in Dallas is no longer one of resentment, but of a deep and respectful melancholy. One year after the Mavericks’ front office shook the NBA to its core with the February 2025 “shocking trade,” the wound remains open for a fan base that watched the Slovenian prodigy grow into a legend.
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This Saturday, when Luka Doncic steps back onto the floor of the American Airlines Center, he will do so not as the franchise savior, but as the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers-a reality many fans are still struggling to process.
The prevailing feeling across Texas is a sense of longing for a golden era that was abruptly cut short. “This just makes me sad, to be honest,” one fan admitted, echoing the emotions of a city that once dreamed of seeing No. 77 hanging in the rafters next to Dirk Nowitzki’s iconic No. 41.
“Luka belongs in Dallas. He was supposed to spend his entire career as a Dallas Maverick, and this timeline we’re living in right now is the worst possible one,” another fan wrote on social media, unable to come to terms with the trade that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to Dallas in exchange for the European icon.
Doni’s numbers in Dallas
Beyond the nostalgia, Doni’s legacy in Dallas is statistically monumental. Over nearly seven full seasons in Texas, the Slovenian rewrote the franchise record books, scoring more than 12,000 regular-season points and establishing himself as the Mavericks’ all-time leader in triple-doubles, comfortably surpassing the mark set by the legendary Jason Kidd. His imprint includes unforgettable nights, such as the historic performance on January 26, 2024, when he dropped 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks-the highest single-game total ever recorded by a Maverick.
Despite the pain of his departure, respect remains intact. “The GOAT is home,” read comments following a post showing Luka arriving at his residence in the city. Some even allow themselves to dream of a future reunion: “Luka will be a Mav again someday and will be paired with a prime Cooper Flagg.”
Still, once the ball is in the air, competition takes over. The recent history has been harsh for Dallas: since the trade, the Mavericks are 0-3 against Doni’s Lakers. The last time the Slovenian returned to his former home, in April 2025, he showed no mercy, posting 45 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to secure a 112-97 victory. This Saturday, nostalgia will fill the stands-but on the court, Doni will once again be the most lethal threat Dallas has ever created.
