The blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis didn’t just shake up the NBA landscape-it sent shockwaves through the heart of the Dallas Mavericks franchise. For a team that had embraced Dončić as the face of its future, the move was more than a roster shuffle. It was a seismic shift that’s left emotional aftershocks still being felt, particularly by one of the most iconic figures in franchise history: Dirk Nowitzki.
Nowitzki and Dončić weren’t just teammates for a brief time-they shared a connection that transcended generations. Dončić looked up to Dirk, and Dirk, in turn, took pride in mentoring the young star during the twilight of his own legendary career.
So when Dončić was dealt away, it wasn’t just the fans who were stunned. It hit home for Nowitzki, who had remained close to the organization and continued to be a symbolic pillar of the Mavericks’ identity.
In a recent interview, Nowitzki opened up about the trade, and his words carried the weight of someone who’s seen it all-but still felt blindsided. He described the move as “beyond the basketball headlines,” signaling that the impact went deeper than X’s and O’s or trade grades.
For Dirk, this was personal. And it’s clear the decision strained his relationship with the franchise he gave everything to for 21 seasons.
But there may be a path back.
According to reports, Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont has taken steps to reconnect with Nowitzki, reaching out in what’s been described as a genuine attempt to repair the relationship. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon shared on his Howdy Partners podcast that Dumont has expressed interest in bringing Dirk back into the fold in some capacity-though no official role or plan has been laid out yet.
“Patrick Dumont has reached out in an effort to begin repairing that relationship,” MacMahon said. “And I think that Dirk is open-minded...
There have not been any kind of specific discussions about that. But I know that there’s interest on the Mavericks’ side, certainly, in Dirk being involved.
They obviously recognize how important he is to the fanbase. They value everything about Dirk.”
And how could they not?
Nowitzki is more than just a franchise legend-he is the Dallas Mavericks. He spent his entire 21-year career with the team, leading them to their only NBA championship in 2011 and redefining what a modern big man could be. His loyalty, humility, and brilliance on the court made him beloved not just in Dallas, but around the league.
Even in retirement, Dirk’s presence looms large. He’s stayed close to the game, and recently, he was part of the NBA on Prime broadcast team covering the Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies game in Berlin, Germany-a fitting location, considering Nowitzki’s own German roots.
Before tipoff, Udonis Haslem asked Dirk if he had any regrets about never playing an official NBA game in his home country. Dirk, ever the entertainer, gave a classic response.
“Back in the days I had a preseason game, which I think was in 2012 after we beat the Miami Heat in the championship,” Nowitzki said, drawing laughs from the entire crew-Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade, Blake Griffin, and host Taylor Rooks included.
It was a lighthearted moment that reminded everyone just how beloved Dirk is-not just for his basketball résumé, but for his personality and presence. He’s the kind of figure who brings people together, who makes the game feel a little more human.
That’s why the Mavericks’ efforts to reconnect with him matter so much. This isn’t just about nostalgia or ceremonial appearances.
It’s about restoring a bond that defines the very soul of a franchise. Whether Dirk returns in an official capacity or simply as an ambassador of goodwill, one thing is clear: Dallas is better when Dirk is part of the picture.
And if the recent outreach is any indication, both sides might be ready to turn the page-together.