The Dallas Mavericks’ 2024–25 NBA season concluded on April 19, 2025, with a disheartening 120–106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament, marking a stark contrast to their Western Conference Finals appearance just a year prior. This defeat came precisely 77 days after the franchise’s controversial decision to trade their cornerstone player, Luka Dončić, to the Los Angeles Lakers—a move that has since been dubbed the “77-year curse” by disillusioned fans.
A Franchise-Altering Trade
On February 2, 2025, the Mavericks executed a three-team trade, sending Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also participated, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and future second-round picks. This trade marked the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA Team players were exchanged midseason.
General Manager Nico Harrison defended the decision, emphasizing a shift towards a defense-oriented roster. However, reports surfaced suggesting underlying concerns about Dončić’s weight and impending supermax contract eligibility, with the star reportedly nearing 270 pounds before the trade.
Immediate Fallout and Fan Backlash
The aftermath of the trade was immediate and severe. In their first game without Dončić, the Mavericks suffered a historic 144–101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, allowing 91 points in the first half—a franchise record for most points conceded in a half. The defeat highlighted the team’s disarray and the emotional toll of losing their franchise player.
Fans expressed their outrage through protests and social media campaigns, with many calling for Harrison’s resignation. The sentiment was clear: trading Dončić was seen as a betrayal, and the team’s subsequent performance only fueled the narrative of a self-inflicted downfall.
Injury Woes Compound Struggles
The Mavericks’ season was further marred by injuries to key players. Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending torn ACL on March 3, while Anthony Davis, the centrepiece of the Dončić trade, dealt with recurring groin and back issues, limiting his availability and effectiveness. These setbacks left the team shorthanded, with only eight players deemed healthy enough to play by mid-March—the minimum required for an NBA game
Dončić’s Resurgence in Los Angeles
Meanwhile, Dončić thrived with the Lakers, leading them to the third seed in the Western Conference. In a poignant return to Dallas on April 8, he scored 45 points, matching his season high, and received a warm reception from fans who chanted “Fire Nico” in protest of the trade. Dončić’s success in Los Angeles only intensified scrutiny of the Mavericks’ decision to part ways with their star player.
A Season to Forget
The Mavericks’ elimination from playoff contention marked a historic low point for the franchise. They became the first reigning Finals participant since the 2019–20 Golden State Warriors to miss the playoffs the following season. The team’s decline from championship contenders to postseason outsiders in just one year underscores the profound impact of the Dončić trade and subsequent roster instability.
Looking Ahead
As the Mavericks enter the offseason, the organization faces critical decisions about its direction and leadership. The “77-year curse” moniker reflects fans’ deep-seated frustration and skepticism about the team’s future. Rebuilding trust with the fanbase and re-establishing a competitive roster will be paramount as Dallas seeks to move past a season defined by controversy and underperformance.
In the wake of a tumultuous year, the Mavericks must confront the consequences of their choices and chart a new course forward—one that honors the legacy of their past while embracing the challenges of the present.
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