Jan 7, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) talks with head coach Jason Kidd during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Mavericks' Jason Kidd understands 'the frustration' of Luka Doncic-Lakers trade

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Keenan Womack | Last updated May 20, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade between Dallas and the LA Lakers on February 2 of this year defined the most tumultuous season in Mavericks history. The baffling move destroyed the franchise's long-standing relationship with its passionate fanbase, creating a toxic situation for an organization that had near-unanimous support after making an NBA Finals just nine months prior.

More than simple wins and losses, Luka Doncic was a beloved figure within Dallas-Fort Worth sports lore, on his way to becoming an all-time great in a city that adored him. There exists an uphill battle for the organization in regaining the trust of the Mavericks fandom, as head coach Jason Kidd addressed on the DLLS Mavericks Podcast on Monday.

Jason Kidd on the Luka Doncic trade: "I truly can understand the frustration or the hurt of the trade. Luka is one of the best in the world. He was here, he played at a high level. All of the sudden there is a change... But we have to move forward. There is a draft and there will…
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) May 19, 2025

"I truly can understand the frustration, or the hurt of the trade. Luka is one of the best in the world. He was here, he played at a high level. All of the sudden, there is a change... But we have to move forward," he said of the situation.

No doubt, this is a difficult message to receive, but the Mavericks' luck in capturing the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft will go some ways in healing the divide between Dallas' premier basketball operation and its supporters.

"There is a draft and there will be another season," he continued. "We truly believe that we have the best fans and we would love for them to support us not just this summer but going forward. We are trying to win a championship. We won one in 2011, and we plan on winning another one here shortly."

Despite the massive void undoubtedly left in Doncic's absence, Kidd believes there is a bright future ahead for the Mavericks.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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