When Luka Doncic Departed Dallas, Even Jerry Jones’s Wife Couldn’t Hold Back Tears
The owner of the Dallas Cowboys shares his thoughts on the trade that sent shockwaves beyond just the Mavericks.
As we approach the three-month mark since the pivotal trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the ramifications are still resonating, not only within the NBA but across the broader sports landscape.
The trade had its most significant impact in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, affecting not just the Dallas Mavericks and their supporters.
Even the region’s most beloved sports team—and arguably the most popular franchise in North America—the Dallas Cowboys, felt the impact of the deal, particularly in relation to owner, CEO, and general manager Jerry Jones and his family.
Throughout Doncic’s six-and-a-half years in Dallas, the Jones family developed a close bond with him, with Doncic attending several Cowboys games in the suite of Jones. Consequently, when Jones held a pre-NFL Draft press conference on Tuesday, he was prompted to share his views on the monumental trade from another sport, revealing that his wife, Gene, reacted similarly to many dedicated Mavs fans when Doncic departed.
“Gene was an All-State athlete, making 17 consecutive free throws in a state championship game, and she is deeply passionate about basketball. She cried when Luka left. I can relate to that sentiment, and I understand how such a situation could arise.”
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In his capacity as general manager, Jones certainly comprehends how a franchise might part ways with a legendary player who is beloved by fans, having navigated similar situations time and again with the Cowboys.
The NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, and Larry Allen—often regarded as the best guard in NFL history—each had illustrious careers with the Cowboys before finishing them wearing different jerseys. Notably, DeMarcus Ware, the all-time sack leader for the Cowboys, and Jason Witten, the franchise’s all-time receiving leader, also concluded their careers with other teams.
However, unlike those four players who departed at the end of their careers, Doncic’s trade is distinctive due to its timing. This difference is likely why so many Mavericks fans were distraught upon learning of the trade, echoing Gene Jones’s emotional reaction. Currently, the Lakers appear to be benefiting from the trade, as they are actively competing in the 2025 NBA playoffs, while the Mavericks stumbled early, unable to advance beyond the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Owning the Cowboys since 1989 has given Jones a keen insight into the city and its sports aficionados. Perhaps he could provide some valuable guidance to Mavericks general manager, Nico Harrison, who assumed his role in 2021.
Harrison’s limited time in Dallas-Fort Worth may have hindered his understanding of the adoration the community holds—and continues to hold—for Doncic, which was evident in his recent remarks regarding the trade.
While honesty is valued, that statement was quite surprising coming from the individual who effectively oversees the Dallas Mavericks.
It could be argued that Doncic held just as much significance for the Mavs’ fan base as they did for him, as he has not yet completely come to terms with the trade. Harrison also mentioned that Doncic has not communicated with his former boss since the deal.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic gestures as he returns in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Los Angeles on Feb. 10, 2025. Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo
The complete consequences of the trade will likely not be evident until the Mavericks achieve full health and can adequately surround their key acquisition—Anthony Davis—with a robust roster. Davis and Kyrie Irving only had the chance to play one game together this season, as Davis was injured at the time of the trade.
He subsequently made his Mavs debut, impressively teaming up with Irving as they led the Mavericks to a victory over the eventual 2-seed Houston Rockets. Tragically, Davis sustained an injury during that game and subsequently missed the next 18 matchups.
As he recovered, Irving suffered a torn ACL, concluding his season. Therefore, when Davis finally rejoined the lineup, Irving remained sidelined and is anticipated to miss the start of the next season while he undergoes rehabilitation.
In contrast, Doncic finds himself in a position to compete for an NBA championship alongside LeBron James with the Lakers. Should they succeed in clinching the title just four months post-trade, it may evoke a fresh wave of tears from Mavs fans—some joyous as they witness their former star lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and others sorrowful that he is doing so outside of a Mavericks uniform.
