A <a href="https://sports-info.online/2025/01/13/nba/suns-hornets-are-discussing-interesting-trade/” title=”Suns, Hornets Are Discussing Interesting Trade”>trade as big as the one the Dallas Mavericks made with the Los Angeles Lakers at this year’s NBA trade deadline doesn’t just come and go without long-lasting aftershocks, which are still being felt throughout the league and in Dallas in particular.
Fans have been protesting, general manager Nico Harrison has required beefed-up security for his own safety, season-ticket holders have been canceling, and now an assistant coach has jumped ship.
Marc Stein shared on X on Sunday that assistant coach Marko Milic has left the Mavericks’ coaching staff in the wake of the Doncic trade because, as Stein was told, he did not wish to stay with the Mavericks without Luka.
Marko Milić has left the Mavericks’ coaching staff in the wake of the Luka Dončić trade, sources tell @TheSteinLine.
Milić was the first Slovenian to play in the NBA and, I’m told, did not wish to stay with the Luka-less Mavericks.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/jkBEbr3Onp
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 9, 2025
Milic was the first Slovenian to play in the NBA, so it’s understandable that he would feel hurt by the Doncic trade, especially since Doncic proudly represents their home country of Slovenia.
Milic played two seasons with the Phoenix Suns from 1997 to 1999, where he was teammates with current Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who brought him onto the coaching staff in 2022.
Doncic has expressed his shock at the trade, and everyone who follows the NBA feels the same way, as it was unexpected for everyone involved.
Losing Milic is collateral damage, and the Mavericks’ front office has to continue picking up the pieces of the damage left behind by such a seismic move.
Anthony Davis getting injured in his debut game didn’t help matters, but fortunately, for the safety of this franchise, he seems to be okay.
NEXT: Jalen Rose Sends Clear Message To Mavs Owner After Luka Doncic Trade
