Following the high-profile trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers at this year’s NBA trade deadline, the aftermath continues to be felt throughout the league, particularly in Dallas.
The trade, which shocked many, has led to protests from fans, security measures for general manager Nico Harrison, and cancellations from season-ticket holders. Now, an assistant coach has left the team as well.
Marc Stein reported on X Sunday that assistant coach Marko Milic has parted ways with the Mavericks in the wake of the Luka Dončić trade. Milic, who was deeply connected to Dončić due to their shared Slovenian heritage, reportedly chose to leave the team because he did not want to remain with the Mavericks without Luka.
Milic, the first Slovenian to ever play in the NBA, had a brief playing career with the Phoenix Suns from 1997 to 1999, where he was a teammate of current Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. Kidd brought Milic onto the coaching staff in 2022. Dončić, who also hails from Slovenia, expressed his shock and disappointment with the trade, an emotion shared by many in the basketball world.
Milic’s departure is just one of the many consequences of the massive trade, leaving the Mavericks’ front office with the difficult task of managing the fallout. Fortunately, Anthony Davis appears to be okay after an injury during his debut game, which offered a small silver lining in an otherwise turbulent time for the franchise.
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