The Dallas Mavericks once believed that they had found their franchise cornerstone in Luka Doncic. After acquiring him in the 2018 NBA Draft, Doncic became the face of the team quickly, a generational talent whose talented skills brought hope to Dallas. But after a shocking trade that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Mavericks’ fortunes have taken a very dramatic downturn, leaving both fans and analysts alike wondering: are the Mavericks cursed?
The NBA world was stunned when Dallas traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers in a blockbuster move meant to shake up the franchise. While the Mavericks received a package of young talent and draft picks in return, no one could deny the risk of sending away a player of Doncic’s caliber. Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has continued to thrive even more, quickly meshing with LeBron James and coach J.J. Reddick propelled L.A. back into serious title contention.
Following the trade, the Mavericks have been plagued with misfortune. Injuries, coaching instability, and locker room tension have derailed their momentum. The team has struggled to find a new identity, bouncing between rebuilding and competing, but ultimately landing in a painful middle ground. Promising players haven’t developed as expected, and their draft picks haven’t yet filled the void that Doncic left behind.
The loss of Doncic has left the Mavericks without a true superstar. While they’ve tried to utilize their current roster with players such as Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson all of which faced injuries and are trying to retool the roster with trades and signings, none have come close to matching Doncic’s impact on the court. Attendance has dipped quickly, and Dallas fans are beyond upset, the morale has dropped and the fanbase is growing restless as the losses keep piling up only acquiring a few wins.
Meanwhile in L.A., Doncic has become an even bigger star on the league’s grandest stage. With Hollywood lights and championship banners behind him, he has continued to dominate, leading the Lakers offense and is sparking MVP conversations. The contrast between his success and Dallas’ decline only deepens the sting for Mavericks fans.
Looking back at it, it is very easy to wonder if the trade was the start of a curse for the Mavericks. How else can someone explain the Mavericks’ rapid collapse following the departure of their best player? The team that once looked poised to compete for years now seems lost, haunted by what could have been. Until Dallas finds a way to reset its trajectory and build a new positive foundation, the shadow of Luka Doncic will loom large over the franchise all together.
Only time will tell if the Mavericks can lift and break the curse, or if trading Luka Doncic will go down as one of the most painful decisions in team history.
Noah R:
Front office decisions have only added fuel to the fire. Questions continue to swirl around owner Mark Cuban’s leadership and whether his once-revered basketball acumen has lost its edge. Multiple coaching changes in the span of just a few seasons have only deepened the perception of instability, and rumors have emerged about internal conflicts between executives and agents. Dallas, once seen as a destination for elite free agents, is now viewed with hesitation by stars wary of walking into chaos.
Former Mavericks legends like Dirk Nowitzki have spoken cautiously in interviews, expressing hope for the franchise’s rebound but also acknowledging that “losing Luka was like ripping the soul out of the team.” Local media has picked up on the sentiment, with headlines calling it “The Doncic Drought” and sports radio flooded with calls for a full rebuild or even a complete overhaul of management.
Fans, too, have taken matters into their own hands. Billboards demanding change have gone up across the city. Social media campaigns with hashtags like #BringBackTheMagic and #FreeDallasBasketball have trended nationally after particularly embarrassing losses. Season ticket renewals have dropped, and the once-raucous American Airlines Center now echoes with the sounds of frustration and disillusionment.
Despite it all, there remains a sliver of hope. A new rookie—Jalen Foster, a 19-year-old shooting guard from Kentucky—has shown flashes of brilliance. His fearless play and strong work ethic have drawn comparisons to a young Dwyane Wade. While he’s far from being the next Luka Doncic, some believe Foster could be the spark that ignites a long-overdue turnaround.
The Mavericks’ front office has also hinted at a “long-term plan” focused on sustainable development and smarter roster building. Whether that’s enough to reverse the course of what feels like a cursed era remains to be seen. But for now, the Mavericks are trapped in the shadow of their past—searching for redemption in the echo of a trade that changed everything.