HOT NEWS: Don Nelson Wears Luka Dončić’s Shoes to Protest Mavericks’ ‘Tremendous Mistake’ Trade
Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA coaching
legend Don Nelson made headlines during the NBA Finals on June 8, 2025, by wearing Luka Dončić’s new signature Nike shoes to the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony—an unmistakable act of protest against Dončić’s blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nelson, 85, accepted the prestigious award in Oklahoma City before Game 2 of the NBA Finals. But instead of sticking to a traditional suit-and-tie, he chose instead to lace up Dončić’s latest sneakers, saying: “I’m wearing Luka’s shoes, his new shoes from Nike … in protest for the trade from Dallas. I think it was a tremendous mistake by the Dallas franchise to trade him, and I want everybody to know that.”
The move was dramatic yet sincere. Nelson, who coached the Mavericks from 1997 to 2005, went beyond mere rhetoric—his footwear did the talking. By donning Luka’s brand-new kicks, he struck a powerful symbolic blow, rebuking a decision he believes undermines the essence of team loyalty.
Nelson’s criticism hinges on his staunch philosophy that generational stars shouldn’t be let go—ideals learned during his playing days under Red Auerbach with the Boston Celtics. “When you have a great player … you don’t lose that player,” he said. “You keep him for a lifetime. That’s been my philosophy.”
The uproar triggered by the trade has already been intense. On February 1–2, 2025, Dončić was swapped mid-season—along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris—in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie, along with a 2029 first-round pick . The deal sent shockwaves, criticized as “one of the most unexpected trades in NBA and American sports history” , with fans rallying outside the Mavericks’ home arena and even staging a mock funeral complete with a coffin .
Nelson is hardly alone—Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki admitted he “couldn’t believe it,” and many believe the Lakers clearly won the trade . The general manager, Nico Harrison, has come under heavy scrutiny, both for the trade and for past controversies .
At the award ceremony, Nelson showed no restraint, calling the trade by name and declaring it “a tremendous mistake” . The symbolism was sharp: by climbing the stage in those sneakers, he effectively carried Luka’s banner—and by extension, the voices of countless disgruntled fans—onto basketball’s biggest stage.
Nelson’s protest underscores a growing tension within the Mavericks’ fanbase. Many believe that Luka Dončić, just 25, was the corner‑ stone of the franchise, and that trading him mid-career was a betrayal of both player and city. His departure and the backlash—protests, angry chants, season ticket cancellations—have sparked questions about management’s vision and loyalty .
Nelson’s actions also serve a broader statement: basketball isn’t just about numbers and trades—it’s about legacy, identity, and respect. By honoring Dončić’s shoes, he honored what the young star stood for: consistency, brilliance, and connection with fans. The Mavericks may have given up an All-NBA talent, but Nelson reminded everyone they also relinquished a piece of their soul.
As the NBA community digests this dramatic gesture, one thing is clear: Dončić’s departure will be a defining moment in franchise history—not just for what was lost on the court, but for what it meant off it. And as long as Hall-of-Famers like Nelson continue the fight, the conversation isn’t over.