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Don Nelson wears Luka Doncic shoes in protest against Mavericks trade

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 10:42 AM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Don Nelson wears Luka Doncic shoes in protest against Mavericks trade

Summary

During the 2025 NBA Finals, Don Nelson protested the Dallas Mavericks' trade of Luka Doncic by wearing his shoes. Speaking at a press conference, Nelson criticized Mavericks GM Nico Harrison for trading Doncic, who had led the team to the NBA Finals. The controversial move, which sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, generated significant backlash among fans. This controversy ultimately contributed to Harrison's dismissal from the team. Following these events, the Mavericks made changes to their management structure.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Don Nelson wore Luka Doncic's Nike shoes during the 2025 NBA Finals.
•He protested the trade of Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.
•The trade led to significant fan backlash against GM Nico Harrison.
•Harrison was ultimately fired due to the trade's ramifications.
•The Mavericks are undergoing management changes after the Doncic trade.

Latest Updates

10:42 AMYahoo Sports — When NBA legend Don Nelson wore Luka Doncic’s shoes to protest Nico Harrison’s shocking trade

What they're saying

"
Don Nelson cemented his legendary status among Dallas Mavericks fans when he called out the franchise and GM Nico Harrison for trading Luka Doncic. It’s easy to forget, given how long it has been, but Doncic being traded from the Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers is still the craziest trade in NBA history.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Dallas Mavericks Los Angeles Lakers NBA Basketball