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The Dallas Mavericks are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers for a crucial game for both teams as the season winds down. Emotions will be at an all-time high as Dallas will host their former superstar and franchise player, Luka Doncic, for the first time ever on Wednesday.
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A few months ago, no one would have believed that Dallas would trade their superstar player, but reality is often disappointing, and in this scenario, that is the case for the Dallas perspective.
Doncic is now a Laker, and not only has this hurt the Mavericks in the short term, but it could also hurt them in the long term—not only on the court but also in their wallets.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon shared in his latest column that the decision to trade Doncic could likely hurt the Mavericks and cost them to 'lose dozens of millions in revenue.'
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"It's a decision, team sources told ESPN, that probably will cost the franchise nine figures over the next several years, as the Mavs are projected to lose dozens of millions in revenue this season due to dwindling crowds, plummeting merchandise sales and sponsors severing ties with the franchise in the wake of the trade. So many fans canceled season tickets in the days after the trade that the Mavs attempted to generate some goodwill by offering limited refunds," wrote MacMahon.
The Mavericks could have seen the backlash coming. Just last month, the team announced plans to increase ticket prices—a move that was already met with frustration. That frustration only intensified following the stunning decision to trade away Doncic.
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Since parting ways with their franchise cornerstone, Dallas' front office has faced intense scrutiny. From unpopular pricing decisions to public remarks that haven't sat well with fans, and of course, the trade itself, it's been a turbulent stretch for the organization. Even with the team still in a position to make a playoff push, that hasn't been enough to ease the tension.
For many fans, the emotional toll of losing Doncic outweighs any postseason hopes. A playoff run might help mend some wounds, but for many supporters, it won't erase the sting of one of the most shocking trades in sports history.
Some fans might even love the fact that the Mavericks' front office is set to lose money, proving that trading Doncic was not only a mistake but one that could haunt them for years and years to come.
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About the writer
Ricardo Sandoval is a Newsweek contributor based in Los Angeles, CA. His focus is sports content. Ricardo has been with Newsweek since 2024 and also writes ... Read more