Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is upset about the team’s decision to part ways with longtime executive Donnie Nelson, Marc Spears of ESPN said on “The Jump” Wednesday (video link).
“They were really, really close,” Spears said, adding that Doncic will issue a statement on Nelson’s dismissal on Thursday. Nelson was credited for pushing for the draft-night trade with the Hawks that landed Doncic in Dallas.
Doncic is currently in Slovenia with its national team, which is training for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Lithuania later this month.
Spears also claimed there aren’t any ongoing talks between Doncic and the franchise regarding a rookie scale extension, though there would be no need for talks to be occurring at this point. His rookie scale extension couldn’t be signed until August and the deadline is prior to the start of next season. It’s no secret the Mavs will offer their franchise player the maximum allowable contract.
According to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link), Doncic hasn’t shared his feelings with anyone regarding Nelson’s departure from the organization, so it’s inaccurate to claim that he’s upset about it. Townsend confirms that Doncic is expected to speak about the situation on Thursday during a press conference for the qualifying tournament.
It looks like brother
Doncic
Donnie
What??
If Doncic is in Slovenia how do they know he’s upset with the Mavs? Are Luka’s Slovenian teammates leaking information? Strange
A good reporter would reach out BC they know that Donnie has been involved with this coming to the NBA since he was 14
Such a non-story, Spears is just speculating here. Townsend is WAY more plugged in with the Mavs.
You know it’s a non-story when they’re saying things like:
“Luka and Dallas aren’t talking about an extension at this time. Although there’s no reason for them to be talking about an extension at this time.”
Thanks, Marc. Really heavy stuff.
Reach out to who? Luka? Spears has Luka as a source your saying? Just because Luka was close to Donnie doesn’t mean he is upset with the Mavs for letting him go. Executives and coaches come and go all the time.
Yeah… Every 24 years, in Nelson’s case…
Twitter or Facebook
Tweet or Facebook post from who? Luka? Then there would be no question mark in the title.
Or maybe Donnie mentioned it to the press after speaking with him?
Doncic is releasing a statement on a front office change? I know you’re 22 but grow up bud.
Spears doesn’t know what he is talking about. Luka’s just going to be available to media tomorrow, he was going to anyways. Dude is not tied to Nelson, as Townsend said. He liked Donnie, but he knows front office things aren’t his job. Kid gets it.
Now if only LeBron did
I mean if he wants to release a statement, he is allowed to do so. I don’t understand why he wouldn’t be allowed to voice an opinion.
He’s allowed to, just not sure why he needs a platform. He doesn’t work in the front office. He’s a player.
The kid is 22. It’s a slippery slope to start letting him make decisions that impact the entire org. He’s talented but he’s not LeBron yet (and we’ve seen how that works).
You are scared.
If Dallas hasn’t let Doncic influence “decisions that impact the entire organization,” Cuban is an stone idiot. A guy like Luka should be consulted on everything significant.
they trying to create some media narrative to make it look like luka is unhappy.
Cubes is at it again.
Warriors fans – Wiseman+Poole+2 second rounders for Luka. Then sign and trade Oubre for Kawhi. Draft Luke Skywalker with the Minnesota pick.
I don’t even think u could pull this trade off on NBA 2K. Seriously. Lol 2 second rounders. Lol Wiseman.
I love how fans throw in second rounders into their lopsided trades, as if that makes any difference)))
Heck, throw in the Golden Gate Bridge too … Let’s get Luka!!!!
But two SECOND rounders???? Give ’em two or three FIRST ROUNDERS for Luka, He’s Oscar , Larry, and Magic …
Forget the Golden Gate Bridge. I’d trade the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty for Luka.
You do realize that just because a building and a statue are located in the city does not mean the Knicks can use them as trade assets, right? Although if I were Dallas, I would take that deal. No matter how long Luka’s career goes, the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty are likely to last longer.
Then get Lacob to unveil his time machine, and bring back 92-93 Jordan, just in case Klay isn’t ready for opening night.
Luka legit go real
Damn….my Dallas exit post on what to do with the Mavs had Cuban consulting Luka first on every decision as the first second and third priorities …oops
He very well might have. A lot of the stuff coming out of Dallas of late seems very speculative to say the least.
Luka doesn’t “like” Haralabob? How much could that guy possibly be around the team day to day – the guy’s whose claim to fame is sitting by himself watching 6 games simultaneously for every night of his life?
Luka’s going to “make a statement” about Donnie Nelson? Is he holding a press conference about a front office shakeup now? While in Slovenia?
It’s just odd that Luke has “issues” with guys who ostensibly are at a permanent remove from the day to day of the team, yet he seems to be perfectly fine with Porzingis and Carlisle?
‘I’m taking my talents to South Beach’…
He should go elsewhere. Dallas won’t ever get him a ring
Giannis never should of signed max deal with Milwaukee. The NBA has changed to a league dominated by players who can make the 3. Giannis would of been better off going to Dallas. Luka and Giannis so much better than Luka and KP. Mavericks should of listed to Donnie Nelson and Drafted Giannis
Agreed 100%. Milwaukee botched that roster by building around Giannis assuming he was going to become the next point forward.
But his game never really developed that way – ended up being essentially a more mobile version of Shaq. He desperately needs an elite facilitator next to him.
Not sure there is an obvious team right now, but Donnie Nelson being available now may make some team consider a change sooner.
Nothing against Giannis would want him on my team but Giannis like Randle is not a #1 option. Both players are Robin’s not Batmans. Giannis and Ben Simmons better get their a$$ in the gym and work on their jumpshot. Kudos to Randle for expanding his Range.