Dallas Mavericks: Is Luka Doncic upset with Donnie Nelson departure?

The Dallas Mavericks parted ways with general manager and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson. He was ousted after 24 years with the team ahead of arguably the biggest offseason in franchise history. The Mavs need to improve the roster around Luka Doncic and will be looking for a new candidate to lead that charge.

Nelson’s departure from the Mavericks breaks up the organization’s long-held stability. The Athletic reported he was fired on Sunday night after discussing the added influence of Haralabos Voulgaris. The front office turmoil explored this week by The Athletic took fans by surprise.

Supporters were wondering how Nelson’s departure would impact superstar Luka Doncic. The 22-year-old can sign a five-year max contract worth over $200 million this summer. It is an important time to keep their star happy. Luka shared his thoughts on Donnie and the Mavs parting ways on June 17.

Is Luka Doncic upset with the Dallas Mavericks parting ways with Donnie Nelson?

Luka had a press conference ahead of the Slovenia National Team’s tune-up game against Croatia on Friday. He had this to say about Nelson leaving the Mavs, courtesy of Marc Stein.

Nelson scouted Luka as a 14-year-old. The two have a long standing relationship. It does not appear that Doncic is holding it against the Mavs, though.

It was even more surprising to hear Brad Townsend’s report that Doncic found out the news with everyone else on Wednesday afternoon. Owner Mark Cuban and the Mavericks need to value Luka’s input if they are going to keep him in Dallas long-term.

The Athletic reported that Doncic still intends to sign his max contract this offseason, but the organization needs to do whatever it can to keep him happy. They must improve the roster around him, win more games, and put the right people in place at all levels.

The search for a new general manager adds another important element to an already crucial offseason. Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks need to get this right. If not, it could cost them Luka Doncic before his 30th birthday.