Two months ago, the basketball world stood still. On Feb. 2, one of the most shocking trades in recent memory shook the NBA: Luka Dončić, the heart and soul of the Dallas Mavericks, was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The deal brought Anthony Davis to Dallas but crumbled instantly, as Davis suffered an injury in his very first game on Feb. 8. Dallas fans were left stunned, betrayed, and heartbroken.
Now the city of Dallas has a new star. But this time it’s not in the NBA but in the WNBA, and the fans have a strong message for the Mavericks GM Nico Harrison.
Fans Are Excited and Cautious About Paige Bueckers
On April 14 in the 2025 WNBA Draft at “The Shed” at Hudson Yards in New York City, the UConn phenom Paige Bueckers, who helped the Huskies win their 12th national championship, was drafted with the first overall pick by the Dallas Wings.
WELCOME TO THE DALLAS WINGS, PAIGE BUECKERS 🌟 pic.twitter.com/pREGdvalky
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 14, 2025
The Dallas fans are happy to get a superstar in their city, but at the same time, they have one loud, desperate plea.
Dallas fans who are still nursing emotional wounds from the Dončić trade have developed a serious trust issue, especially with front-office decisions. The trauma from the Feb. 2 trade hasn’t faded. Dončić wasn’t just a star; he was a generational talent who led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals just last season. Trading him felt like ripping the soul out of the city. Now, with Bueckers in town, fans are on high alert.
“Don’t mess this up, PLEASE,” wrote one fan who has still not healed from the Feb. 2 trade trauma.
don’t mess this up PLEASE.
— Bala 💫 (@BalaPattySZN) April 14, 2025
The reason given for Dončić’s departure was that he was out of shape and underperforming, leaving fans even more bitter. He was averaging 28.1 points, 7.8 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game at the time for the Mavericks. He wasn’t just playing well, he was dominating.
The idea that this kind of performance wasn’t enough to secure his future in Dallas made fans lose faith in the decision-makers. They now fear the same fate could befall Bueckers if Harrison gets involved in any way.
“Don’t tell Nico,” wrote one user, fearing that the Mavericks GM will jinx the WNBA also.
Don’t tell Nico
— Grant Slingerland (@Slingerland1) April 14, 2025
Dončić electrified the city with his jaw-dropping passes, clutch shots, and fearless leadership. He carried the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011 and was widely regarded as an MVP candidate. Now, he’s gone. But Bueckers brings a fresh wave of hope.
“Imagine having Paige and Luka in the same city… Oof!” said one follower.
Imagine having Paige and Luka in the same city… Oof!
— Hookah Doncic💨 (@Hookah77Luka) April 14, 2025
While most of the noise centered around Dončić and Harrison, a wave of fans turned their full attention to the moment at hand— Bueckers in a Dallas Wings jersey. For them, this wasn’t about the past; it was about the future.
“Future goat of the WNBA,” wrote one fan whereas another user said, “The Dallas Wings just got a superstar!”
future goat of the wnba
— PG1#30🕺🛸 (@hoodiicurry) April 14, 2025
Bueckers and Dončić in the same city could’ve been a dream. One lighting up the NBA, the other dominating the WNBA, a basketball capital in the making.
But with Dončić gone, the dream now rests entirely on Bueckers. And so the fans wait, nervously. They’ve been here before. This time, they’re not taking any chances.
Paige Bueckers Emotional After Being Drafted by Dallas
Getting drafted by a WNBA team as the first overall pick is a dream for many women college basketball players. On draft night, Bueckers got to live that dream.
After the announcement, Bueckers became emotional during a post-draft interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe.
“Just an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s super surreal just being here with other draft invitees. My teammates are here. My family’s here. Just super grateful. Been focusing on staying present. Staying where my feet are. And to be here right now I’m just extremely blessed,” said Bueckers.
In her final year at UConn, Bueckers averaged 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, proving why she was the No. 1 pick. With her skill set and drive, Bueckers is poised to make an immediate impact in Dallas and help take the franchise to new heights.