Part 7/10:
One of the most emotionally charged aspects of this organizational upheaval is the bond between the Mavericks fans and Luka Dončić. To many, Luka isn't just a superstar; he epitomizes the heart and soul of the franchise. Watching him develop from a young, raw talent into one of the NBA's best players has been a shared journey for Dallas fans.
The reaction to Luka's trade has been intensely visceral and long-lasting. Many fans compare the betrayal to losing a family member—equating it to historic sports heartbreaks like the trade of Michael Jordan from the Bulls or the Lakers trading Kobe Bryant. This emotional tether underscores why the reaction has persisted for nearly nine months—a testament to Luka's unique connection with Dallas.