Many were puzzled by what Dallas received in sending its generational superstar to Los Angeles, including longtime NBA executives.

On Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks posted a video of Luka Dončić decked out in cowboy attire — black boots, a hat and a bolo tie. It was National Texas Day. Nine hours later, the team had traded their superstar to the Los Angeles Lakers.

But Dallas's stunning about-face with its franchise player may have hit those closest to home harder than anyone. Mavericks fans, shocked and hurt by the trade, came out in droves to protest the deal outside of American Airlines Arena before Sunday's hockey game between the Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets.