New York City FC players stunned by blockbuster NBA trade, as Luka Doncic moves from Dallas Mavericks to Los Angeles Lakers

In a blockbuster and transformative NBA trade, the Dallas Mavericks this week dealt franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis as a part of a three-team deal. The trade stunned the sports world, with athletes, fans and the rest all left in disbelief - and the Internet responded superbly. From memes to reaction videos, athletes and fans did them all, with some struggling to process how such a huge deal was done in complete secrecy.

That includes the NYCFC players, as several were simply stunned that a deal of this magnitude could take place.

The trade of Doncic was a seismic shift in basketball, but the reactions from the NYCFC players comes as no shock - especially as the MLS has close ties to the NBA. For example, Charlotte FC collaborated with the Charlotte Hornets to welcome Wilfried Zaha to the league. Not only that, they used the same social media post to unveil their new home kit for the 2025 season, featuring Hornets star Brandon Miller.

Further, Chicago Fire boss Gregg Berhalter, and Frank Kopas, were spotted at a recent Chicago Bulls game, highlighting the crossover appeal of sports.

Despite a sixth-place finish in the Eastern Conference, New York City FC failed to capitalize and were knocked out in MLS Cup playoffs in the quarterfinals by cross-town rivals New York Red Bulls. Yet, their performances overall does have fans hopeful that their side can replicate it once again in the 2025 season.

The club signed goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh and Prince Amponsah on free transfers so far. The club will kick off their 2025 MLS campaign against Inter Miami on Feb. 23.