Mavericks forward PJ Washington has spoken out against fans chanting “Fire Nico” in response to the franchise trading away Luka Dončić.

These chants have become common since Dallas traded away the 25-year-old superstar, with many fans calling for the franchise to cut ties with General Manager Nico Harrison.

Washington could be seen telling a fan to stop chanting during a recent matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, taking a moment to address the fan in the crowd before shooting free throws.

Shortly after the game, Washington discussed the incident and said he was tired of hearing Mavericks fans complain about the trade.

“At the end of the day, trades happen. We understand we have a new team. All that ‘Fire Nico’ stuff, sick and tired of hearing it. We just want to go out and play, the fans to support us no matter who’s on the floor,” he said, per Landon Thomas of Mavs Fans For Life.

Since the trade, these “Fire Nico” chants have become popular throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, breaking out at many surprising venues over the last month.

One of the most recent occurrences took place during a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dallas as a Mavericks float passed on the street.

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Similarly, SMU students began chanting “Fire Nico” during a February 11 matchup against Pittsburgh, at which Harrison was present.

 

Fans have also made it common to make these statements on the Mavericks’ jumbotron during games, with one fan mouthing the words “Fire Nico” during the same game Washington addressed a fan.

 

The Mavericks have previously elected to eject fans for making these statements.

Dallas removed multiple fans shortly after the trade was completed because one fan mouthed the statement on the jumbotron, and another fan held a sign that said, “Fire Nico,” as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

This trend has also become popular among other organizations, with Southwest Airlines recently using it to deflect attention away from a new baggage policy.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Southwest Airlines announced a change to the ‘bags fly free’ policy, which had become one of the biggest differences between Southwest and other airlines. 

In response, Southwest Airlines posted on social media a cover photo that said, “It’s not like we traded Luka,” poking fun at the surprising decision to trade one of the best players in the NBA.