“Epic Mistake” – Serena Williams’ Former Coach Expresses His Thoughts on $4.7B Mavericks Trading Luka Doncic to Lakers in Shocking Deal

Serena Williams

Rick Macci, Serena Williams’ childhood coach, voiced his strong opinions about the Dallas Mavericks’ shocking decision to trade Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers. The $4.7 billion NBA franchise (according to Forbes) has faced heavy criticism from fans and analysts alike, with some even protesting outside the American Airlines Center.

In the trade, the Mavericks sent Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Lakers, receiving Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick in return. The Utah Jazz were also involved, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks. This trade has been labeled one of the most surprising in NBA history, considering Doncic’s status as a 25-year-old superstar who led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024.

The trade has also sparked reactions beyond basketball, with Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, sharing his thoughts on the trade via his X (formerly Twitter) account. The experienced tennis coach strongly criticized the Mavericks’ decision to part ways with Doncic, calling it an “epic mistake.”

“TRADE… The act of selling goods, services, or a Global Iconic Superstar, Generational talent in his prime. EPIC MISTAKE… The act of selling goods, services, or a Global Iconic superstar Generational talent in his prime. Luka Doncic,” wrote Rick Macci, Serena Williams’ former coach.

Tennis Star Frances Tiafoe Also Reacts to Luka Doncic’s Trade to LA Lakers

Frances Tiafoe, a tennis star, also expressed his surprise and disappointment over Luka Doncic’s trade to the Lakers. In an interview shared by Tennis Channel on Instagram, Tiafoe shared that he was caught off guard by the trade and felt for Mavericks fans.

Tiafoe mentioned that he expected Doncic to follow in the footsteps of Dirk Nowitzki, staying with the Mavericks for years and possibly winning a title. While Tiafoe was excited to see Doncic play alongside LeBron James, he acknowledged that trades are part of the business of sports.

“The guys didn’t know. AD (Anthony Davis) and LeBron (James) had a good game last night in New York. (The trade) just came out of nowhere and Luka’s been hurt. I feel for Dallas. I thought y’all really had another Dirk (Nowitzki) here for 20 years. A European guy bringing a title to the city. He took us to the finals before Kyrie (Irving) came. Now we have Klay (Thompson) up there. It’s crazy. But seeing him play with LeBron will be epic, and I feel for y’all losing him. But it’s sports, it’s a business,” Tiafoe said.

The World No.18 is currently competing in the Dallas Open. In his first-round match on Tuesday, he defeated Taro Daniel 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, and will play again on Tuesday against the winner of Yoshihito Nishioka vs. Brandon Nakashioka.