(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The collapse of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half of this season will be talked about all summer long.
Everyone will be asking what the team needs to do to get back on track next season.
But they will also be wondering what the future holds for Luka Doncic.
Recently, a report said that the front office is scared of Doncic asking for a trade next summer if things don’t improve in the upcoming season.
Doncic was asked about this report over the weekend and gave a reassuring answer.
According to NBA writer Grant Afseth, Doncic said, “I saw the report. I don’t know who, somebody said that I was going to request a trade. It was funny because I didn’t know that was true. I didn’t say it.”
He was then pressed about what he’d do if the team doesn’t improve in 2023-24 and replied, “I’m happy here. There’s nothing to worry [about].”
Luka Doncic was asked about the Dallas Mavericks feeling they need to “earn” his loyalty to avoid him being the next superstar to ask for a trade.
“I saw the report. I don’t know who, somebody said that I was going to request a trade. It was funny because I didn’t know that was… pic.twitter.com/SNwrtnL8eJ
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) April 9, 2023
The response from fans about Doncic’s comments was understandably very relieved, with some posting images of Dallas followers sleeping without a worry in the world.
Me tonight pic.twitter.com/wKZ4Iwgy8v
— Wizard Kellz (@__PereShark) April 9, 2023
Others pushed against reporter Tim MacMahon, who originally broke the story about Doncic’s future with the team.
“[MacMahon’s] accuracy rating now down to 1.25% in @dallasmavs front office reporting,” Tim Tibbles said.
@espn_macmahon accuracy rating now down to 1.25% in @dallasmavs front office reporting.
— Tim Tibbles (@romanstwelveone) April 9, 2023
To be clear, the report didn’t state that Doncic himself had mentioned a desire to leave the team.
Instead, the piece said that the front office was afraid that could happen in the future.
Some people were impressed by Doncic’s response.
Wait, a player who understands he can’t be traded somewhere and all the good players on the other team don’t stay there? WOW
— Clarence Beeks, Jr. (@ClarenceBeeksJr) April 9, 2023
Then there were some who attacked Doncic.
“For the Mavs not to make the play in game is abysmal, ” one fan said.
Everyone needs to stop spooning Luka. He needs to get himself into the gym and get in shape. Work on his defense and be better. Leaders lead. For the Mavs not to make the play in game is abysmal.
— Smart T. Jones (@exhaustedBS) April 10, 2023
Doncic, one of the best players in the league, isn’t getting any younger and obviously wants to win a championship.
If his Mavericks don’t step it up next season, no one would blame him for contemplating a big change.
But according to the man himself, fans have nothing to worry about and Doncic is “happy” in Dallas.
Will he still be saying that this time next year?
The post Fans React To What Luka Doncic Said About His Mavericks Future appeared first on The Cold Wire.