While sitting at the podium following the Dallas Mavericks’ tough 129-128 loss against the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 10, Klay Thompson answered questions with poise. The team was put in a precarious position, as the Mavericks faithful have not been pleased with the trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Thompson addressed the fanbase’s vitriol and frustration.
Klay Thompson Understands the Fans’ Anger
While Davis is a great complement to the currently constructed Mavericks team, the fans still cannot fathom trading away the face of the franchise, and Thompson was able to empathize with them.
Thompson was honest and mentioned that he understands the frustration from the Mavericks’ fanbase, especially considering how great Dončić is.
“I mean you can acknowledge it and understand the frustration because Luka was that great,” Thompson said following the game. “And he was homebred here, so when you feel like you grew up with somebody, it hurts to lose them, especially, you know, to a team in your conference.”
“I signed here and so did everyone else who had an opportunity to for a reason. That’s because we believe in the opportunities ahead of us, and that’s the ability to win. It’s not our job to get deflated because people are upset. It’s our job to try to commit to them that there are really great days ahead. Not just this year, but in the next few years. I really believe that we can do something incredibly special.”
"You could acknowledge it and understand the frustration [because] Luka was that great… I signed here, [and] so did everyone else who had the opportunity for a reason… It's not our job to get deflated because people are upset."
Klay Thompson on the Mavs fans frustration about… pic.twitter.com/rYzYkEdrnM
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2025
Thompson understands that the only way to win over fans is by winning games and proving that this group can do something special, even if Dončić will be missed.
Thompson signed with the Mavericks, leaving the Golden State Warriors last offseason after winning four championships across 13 seasons with the team that drafted him.
The Dončić trade left the Mavericks in limbo, especially in the eyes of their fans, but Thompson believes they will continue to win games.
Mavs GM Nico Harrison Faces Backlash for Trade
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has faced a lot of backlash for trading Dončić, especially considering Davis’ health. He is out indefinitely with an adductor strain.
However, Thompson’s comments put into perspective how quickly this league changes. Thompson arrived in Dallas over the summer, eager to work with Dončić and Kyrie Irving, who were fresh off an NBA Finals appearance. Fast forward a few months, and now Dončić plays for the very team that Thompson was considering joining prior to choosing the Mavericks. The NBA world is ever-changing, and this trade will go down as one of the most confusing deals in league history.
The Mavericks will have to deal with a disgruntled fanbase for the time being, as fans are booing during games and holding up signs that read “Fire Nico.” Home games are going to feel like away games for the Mavericks at this rate unless Thompson is right and the new-look Mavs can win over the crowd.
If the Mavericks continue their current fall and miss the playoffs, there will be a lot of chatter on Harrison’s future and where Dallas goes from here.
