New Mavericks CEO Rick Welts has publicly discussed the Luka Dončić trade that sent him from Dallas to the Los Angeles Lakers. In an interview with Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, he addressed how he "probably underestimated the reaction" the fans had to the recent Dončić trade.

That includes Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams, who faced off against Doncic and the Mavericks in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals. Williams was as surprised as everyone else, noting that he was woken up out of his slumber when everything broke publicly.

The trade that sent Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers continues to stir controversy. Several NBA executives have expressed displeasure with the negotiation process.