Luka Doncic's latest Mavericks admission reveals how he really felt about Dallas

Dallas Mavericks fans were reminded of the Luka Doncic trade this past week when the team traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. He was the key player who was at the center of the trade. The team seemed eager to clean up the mess Nico Harrison left behind, as fans were never going to get over the trade. It also seems Doncic himself will always be reminded of the trade and his time in Dallas.

Recently, during a sit-down talk with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, a podcast hosted by the two former stars, Doncic responded to a question from Carter about the trade. He acknowledged life was hard, adjusting to a new team and city after the infamous trade.

"For me, it was terrible. I mean, honestly, I thought I was going to be there my whole life. But obviously things change," Doncic said.

Doncic further replied to the question, stating, "It was hard." Carter responded to the response, listing new challenges such as routine and new people. Doncic then explained, "It's a lot to get in."

So, it's clear that Doncic was shocked by the trade. He considered Dallas home. However, it seems he made the best of the situation. Doncic explained, "But one year after, I feel I’m in a great place. I live by the beach," to Carter and McGrady. Both former players even joked with Doncic about his new home, as Carter said, "You call it Luka living good guys."

Luka Doncic was destined to retire a Maverick

Doncic's recent conversation on the podcast outlined that he loved Dallas and always will. Doncic's message and words detailed how much he missed the city, organization, and his teammates. One person Doncic had a closer relationship with was Kyrie Irving.

The two players grew closer during their time in Dallas. They created a special bond, as they grew from teammates to hermanos.

It's a bond that Doncic still hasn't forgotten. On the same podcast, Doncic responded to a question about who his best on-court teammate was. Without hesitation, he answered Kyrie Irving. It was a message heard loud and clear, which again reiterates that he should still be in Dallas.

It was expected he would have signed the extension to stay in Dallas for the future. However, the trade is done. The team is left cleaning up the mess Harrison left. Not to mention, the Mavericks are in rebuild mode, while the Lakers are in playoff contention.

It hurts because Dallas has all the assets Los Angeles lacks in strengthening Doncic's skills. They have centers that Doncic can throw lobs to. Plus, the Mavs' pair of versatile wings in P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall is something LA definitely lacks. It makes fans wonder what might have happened if Doncic never left and he and Irving continued to build their relationship on and off the floor.

Yet, fans are now left hearing Doncic answer questions on a podcast, reminiscing about his time in Dallas. They remember the pain Doncic felt on the night of the trade that sent him to the Lakers. It hurts because fans and Doncic thought he would be a Dallas Maverick forever.

That type of loyalty doesn't come around much in today's NBA.

Now, there is a possibility that Doncic could return in the summer of 2028, as he could opt out of his current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas could end up having the financial capital to sign him. They recently created economic flexibility by acquiring expiring contracts from the Davis trade. So, they could put themselves in a position to bring him back.

LeBron James returned to his original team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, after leaving. There is a possibility of a reunion between Dallas and Doncic. Nico Harrison is gone, so maybe Doncic and Dallas could make amends.