Trae Young drops 5-word reaction after watching Luka Doncic break down in tears upon return to Dallas (Image Credit: Imagn)Trae Young drops 5-word reaction after watching Luka Doncic break down in tears upon return to Dallas (Image Credit: Imagn)

LA Lakers superstar guard Luka Doncic got emotional upon his highly anticipated return to Dallas. Doncic’s pregame emotions left Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young speculating about how his career may have unfolded if the Mavericks hadn’t traded him.

Wednesday’s contest marked Doncic’s first in Dallas since his league-altering Feb. 2 blockbuster trade to LA. He spent his first six-plus seasons with the Mavericks, making his first NBA Finals appearance last year, and appeared to be the franchise’s long-term cornerstone.

However, in what many called the most shocking decision in league history, Dallas moved on from him in a three-team trade deadline deal. In return, it landed superstar big man Anthony Davis, third-year wing Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.

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After the trade, Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison cited concerns about Doncic’s conditioning and defense. While Doncic might harbor resentment, that didn’t stop him from tearing up during his pregame video tribute featuring his best moments with Dallas.

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Shortly after, Young took to X/Twitter and interpreted Doncic’s emotional reaction as a sign he planned to spend his entire career with the Mavericks.

“He was never gonna leave,” Young said.

Doncic is under contract next season, with a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign. He was widely expected to sign a five-year, $345 million supermax contract extension with Dallas, which likely would have spanned throughout his prime.

Nevertheless, the Mavericks chose to pivot in another direction, leaving the five-time All-Star’s tenure with the organization a what-if scenario.

Luka Doncic has dominant first half in return to Dallas

Following his pregame video homage, Luka Doncic wasted no time in reminding Mavericks fans of his abilities.

The Slovenian megastar put on a dazzling first-half offensive display, tallying 31 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals and six 3-pointers, shooting 11-for-16 (68.8%). His standout production helped LA take a 60-57 halftime lead.

However, it’s unclear if Doncic’s offensive dominance will give Nico Harrison second thoughts about trading him, given his defense-centered reason for doing so.