When your longtime in-state rival that hasn’t won a playoff series since the NBA Bubble starts trolling you, it’s a clear sign of trouble. That’s exactly the situation the Dallas Mavericks are facing after their controversial decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers back in February in a desperate attempt to “win now”—a plan that backfired as they missed the playoffs entirely.
The move has sparked widespread ridicule across the NBA, with fans and analysts criticizing the Mavericks’ front office. General Manager Nico Harrison and team Governor Patrick Dumont haven’t helped their case with the statements they’ve made over the past few months—publicly and behind closed doors.
Now, even rival executives are weighing in. Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta added fuel to the fire during a celebratory speech for the University of Houston basketball team’s run to the national championship game. Fertitta, also the school’s board of regents chairman, revealed he had recently visited the White House with President Donald Trump and the Prime Minister of Italy.
“I was in the White House in the Oval Office, with the Prime Minister of Italy and the President last Thursday,” Fertitta said. “And we talked about the Houston Cougars, I promise you, for at least a minute and a half. And then we talked about that dumbass Luka Doncic trade Dallas did.”
For the owner of one of Dallas’ biggest rivals to openly bash the trade speaks volumes. Fertitta didn’t hold back, even though the Rockets might have had every reason to celebrate Doncic’s departure from Texas. His remarks mark the first time he’s publicly addressed the trade—and it’s clear he isn’t a fan.
The Mavericks’ front office now faces growing pressure, with many calling for changes in leadership as the franchise attempts to regroup after a failed season.
