Mavericks becoming NBA's biggest joke after ejecting fans critical of GM Nico Harrison

Fans have been strident in their frustration with Harrison since he sent franchise-favorite Luka Doncic to the Lakers in an overnight trade the weekend of Feb. 1-2 for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.

Ejecting fans for voicing their (justified) displeasure with the transaction — which the Mavericks seemingly did in this situation — is incredibly weak.

On Friday, ESPN NBA reporter Tim MacMahon reported that Harrison had received death threats, causing the team to increase security.

"Lines have been crossed," McMahon said.

If, as MacMahon said, there is a line, a fan demanding accountability with a sign is firmly on the side of tolerable acts. As long as no one resorts to violent threats, fans should be allowed to dissent without punishment.

The ejection is an awful look and might be the worst part of a terrible Monday for the Mavericks.

Not only did they lose to fall to 28-26 and eighth in the Western Conference, but Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki elected to travel to Los Angeles for Doncic's Lakers debut against the Jazz instead of attending the Mavs home game.

The Lakers had 72 points at halftime, with the Doncic-LeBron James pairing already paying dividends.

Mavs fans likely aren't getting over the Doncic trade anytime soon. The front office should get used to it. If not, soon enough, the Mavericks might be playing in an empty arena.