Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison Admits He Underestimated Fan Reaction to Luka Dončić Trade
In a candid news conference held on Monday, Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison addressed the controversy surrounding the team’s decision to trade beloved star Luka Dončić. The move had sparked outrage among fans, who took to social media and vocalised their discontent, chanting "Fire Nico" in protest.
According to Harrison, he did not realise the extent to which Dončić was cherished by the fan base. "I knew Luka was important to the fan base," he said, as reported by Yahoo Sports. "I didn’t quite know it to what level." This admission comes after a tumultuous period for the Mavericks, during which the team’s attempts to communicate with fans and media were met with scepticism.
The trade, which saw Dončić dealt to another team, was justified by Harrison as a necessary move to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities. "The way we looked at it is if you’re putting a team on the floor that’s Kyrie [Irving], Klay [Thompson], P.J. [Washington], Anthony Davis and [Dereck] Lively, we feel that’s a championship-caliber team," he explained. However, the envisioned team was never realised due to a spate of injuries that plagued the roster.
Harrison acknowledged that the Mavericks’ communication strategy following the trade was inadequate, and that he had not done enough to address fan concerns. "Our goal is to never run away from the media," he insisted, despite appearing to avoid speaking to reporters in the aftermath of the trade. A small media roundtable, held without cameras or recording devices, was widely seen as an attempt to sidestep scrutiny.
The fallout from the trade has led to increased scrutiny of Harrison’s tenure as general manager. When asked why he should not be fired, Harrison pointed to his overall performance over nearly four years in the role, and his positive relationship with team owner Patrick Dumont. "I think I’ve done a really good job here," he said. "I don’t think I can be judged by injuries this year. You have to be judged in totality from beginning to end."
Furthermore, Harrison denied that he was motivated by a desire to avoid paying Dončić a supermax contract extension worth $345 million over five years. He also stated that he expects Kyrie Irving to opt in to his $44 million player option for 2025-26, and that a fully healthy roster led by Irving will help the team realise his vision for the Mavericks.
Ultimately, Harrison believes that success on the court will help repair the relationship between the team and its fans. "I believe winning will help repair the relationship with the fans," he said. However, with the Dončić trade still a contentious issue, Harrison’s future as general manager will likely remain a subject of debate, particularly if the team fails to achieve success in the coming seasons.
As the Mavericks look to move forward, it remains to be seen whether Harrison’s vision for the team will be realised. One thing is certain, however: the Luka Dončić trade will continue to be a defining issue for the franchise, and for Harrison’s tenure as general manager. As Yahoo Sports reported, Harrison himself acknowledged that the trade will be a lasting legacy of his time in the role, saying "Luka’s no longer on this team" – a statement that will continue to resonate with fans and observers alike.
