Mavericks CEO Rick Welts responds to fan backlash over Luka Doncic trade to Lakers

newsweek.com — February 19, 2025 at 12:03 AM UTC

Mavericks CEO Rick Welts addressed fan anger over the trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. He admitted he underestimated the emotional response from fans, stating this situation was unlike anything he had seen in his 47 years in the NBA. Welts emphasized the difficulty of the situation for many and expressed optimism about the Mavericks' future. He noted that the organization believes they made the right decision regarding Doncic, who was set to become eligible for a supermax contract. The Mavericks' management had concerns about Doncic's behavior and felt he was not worth the potential contract. Fans remain confused about the trade, given Doncic's significant contributions to the team.

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Timeline:

[1.2]
Mark Williams returns to Hornets after canceled trade and aims to secure future with team (yardbarker.com)
1d 21h
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[1.3]
Miles Bridges discusses team response after Mark Williams' canceled trade with Lakers (yardbarker.com)
2d 6h
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[1.2]
Mark Williams returns to Hornets and takes subtle jab at Lakers after trade fallout (yardbarker.com)
2d 9h
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[1.3]
Agent disputes Lakers' decision to fail Mark Williams' physical after trade cancellation (espn.com)
2d 21h
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[1.4]
Mark Williams surprised by Lakers trade cancellation as agent defends player's readiness (cbssports.com)
3d 2h
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[1.2]
Charles Lee discusses Mark Williams' return after Lakers trade collapse (yardbarker.com)
3d 4h
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[1.4]
Mark Williams disputes failed physical after Lakers rescind trade with Hornets (inquirer.net)
3d 16h
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[1.3]
Mark Williams surprised by failed physical that halted Lakers trade (nypost.com)
3d 19h
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[1.1]
Lakers trade for Mark Williams collapses as player disputes failed physical claim (yardbarker.com)
3d 23h
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[1.4]
Mark Williams calls first game back against Lakers part of NBA script after trade falls through (sportingnews.com)
4d 1h
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[1.1]
Mark Williams addresses rescinded trade and Lakers' failed physical (newsweek.com)
4d 2h
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[1.2]
Mark Williams discusses failed trade to Lakers after physical issues (yardbarker.com)
4d 2h
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[1.3]
Mark Williams set to play in rescheduled game against Lakers after trade falls through (uproxx.com)
4d 6h
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[1.1]
Lakers aim to adjust after All-Star break with Doncic's arrival and small-ball strategy (ocregister.com)
4d 22h
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[1.6]
LeBron James looks forward to teaming with Luka Doncic as NBA season heats up (news.yahoo.com)
4d 23h
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[1.5]
Mavericks CEO acknowledges misjudgment over Luka Doncic trade as fan backlash intensifies (yardbarker.com)
4d 23h
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[1.7]
NBA enters final stretch of season with key trades and playoff race intensifying (manilatimes.net)
5d 8h
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