Ex-Mavericks Coach Don Nelson Plans Luka Doncic Trade Protest at NBA Finals Ceremony

Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson, the recipient of the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, plans to protest the Dallas Mavericks' trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers by wearing Dončić's signature shoes during the award ceremony. Nelson, who served as the Mavericks' head coach and GM and whose son was instrumental in drafting Dončić, expressed deep disappointment with the trade, emphasizing his philosophy that great players should be kept for a lifetime. The trade shocked fans, former players, and Mavericks legends, sparking backlash and protests in Dallas. Nelson's gesture at the NBA Finals Game 2 award ceremony in Oklahoma City is a symbolic stand against the Mavericks' decision, reflecting wider disapproval of the move across the basketball community. Despite the trade, Nelson remains proud to receive one of the NBA's highest coaching honors. Dončić, a five-time All-NBA guard who led Dallas to the 2024 Finals, now joins the Lakers, teaming up with LeBron James.