Luka Doncic trade: Dallas Mavericks reportedly issuing refunds for canceled season tickets

The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly issuing refunds for the remaining home games this season to fans who have canceled their season tickets following the Luka Doncic trade. Abby Jones of DLLS Sports (via Front Office Sports) first reported the news, and the Mavericks released a statement in response to the report.

“We value every season ticket member relationship and reps are available to take calls from members with any concerns or questions,” the team said, per Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News.

It was reported that the remaining home games are valued at around $2,000. Mavericks fans are not happy with the move as Doncic is one of the five best players in the NBA. Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Mavericks received Anthony Davis.

In an interview with Dallas Morning News, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison defended the trade. “I understand why they would be shocked, initially,” Harrison said, per Yahoo Sports. “But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future. And that’s ultimately the goal and why we’re here. It’s one of those things where it’s my job to make the tough decisions that put our goals first and foremost.”

Why the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic

Harrison also talked about Luka Doncic’s upcoming contract extension being a reason for the trade. This summer, the superstar was eligible to sign a five-year $354 million supermax contract with the Mavericks. Now that Doncic was traded, he’s no longer eligible for a supermax deal.

“We really feel like we got ahead of what was going to be a tumultuous summer, him being eligible for the supermax and also a year away from him being able to opt out of any contract,” Harrison said. “And so we really felt like we got out in front of that. We know teams, they’ve had it out there, teams have been loading up to try to sign him once that comes available.”

Doncic was selected by the Atlanta Hawks at No. 3 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. He did not play one minute for the Hawks as he was traded to Dallas on draft night. During his time with the Mavericks, Doncic was selected to the All-Star team five times, named to the All-NBA First Team five times, won the Rookie of the Year Award in 2019 and led the NBA in scoring last year.