In the wake of the Dallas Mavericks’ shocking Luka Doncic trade, the team’s general manager has hired a full-time security team to guard his home.
Upset Mavericks fans have made it clear that they don’t think the decision to trade to the Lakers was a good one. With Harrison being the man responsible for what many believe to be a decision that could ruin the team forever, it’s no surprise that he’s received a fair share of backlash that borders on dangerous—but probably isn’t that serious.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently spoke about the situation on-air. “This is a heartbroken fanbase that there have been some unfortunate developments about the anger,” he said. “Nico Harrison has been subject to death threats, there have been racial epithets included.”
“There will be protests outside the arena, security will absolutely be beefed up,” MacMahon continued. “Nicolas Harrison is not going to be in his normal seat in the stands.”
ESPN’s Malika Andrews also reported that Harrison has hired a full-time security team to protect his house in the wake of the backlash for the trade.
Last weekend, the Mavericks shocked the world when they sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The surprising trade was equally mystifying to Doncic who’d allegedly just bought a $15 million dollar home in Dallas. After the trade, Doncic penned a message to the team’s fans explaining how “badly” he wanted to bring a championship to Dallas.
"Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level. I thought I'd spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship," Luka wrote. "The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home. In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best moments, but also for lifting me up when I needed it most."
He continued, "To all the organizations I've worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it. As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home. Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
Once the shock set in that the trade was, in fact, real, Mavericks fans began mourning. A group of fans recently went viral for actually bringing a coffin to the American Airlines Center and holding a symbolic funeral for their former star.