Fans are being asked to vote on their favorite three out of the final 19 designs.
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks fans, or MFFLs, have been less than receptive this week after a blockbuster trade sent star Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.
While it’s natural for fans to be upset by sudden changes, Mavs fans have taken particular exception to this trade, believing it was made behind the backs of the fanbase, coaches, and players. Their frustration led to a campaign to fund billboards across the city, similar to political ads that warn passersby of divisive ideologies.
A GoFundMe page, organized by Jacob Posner, raised over $45,000 as of Saturday morning, which is over half of the stated goal of $82,600. Posner posted a Google Form link so that fans and donators could submit their designs for the billboards, and after presumably receiving dozens, it was whittled down to 19.
The designs varied in color, imagery, and themes — but all shared a clear message: this was a terrible trade.
Several feature the hashtag “#FireNico,” a direct shot at Mavs GM Nico Harrison, who orchestrated the deal. One design reads, “Investigate the trade – Justice for Luka,” depicting Harrison and Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont with red clown noses.
To view all of the final 19 designs, visit here.
Fans have continued to be very vocal about their thoughts on the trade and it seems as though it will continue. However, with any trade comes new beginnings, and that’s especially true for big man Anthony Davis, who is set to make his debut with the Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday, Feb. 8 against the Rockets.
Davis said in his introductory press conference Friday afternoon that he understands what Luka meant to the city and he would never try and downplay that. He did his best to reassure the Mavs faithful by saying that he would help give life back to the city.
